How & Where to Get a Landlord Licence in Newham    

Do you need a landlord licence for your Newham rental property? Landlord licensing schemes now apply to most properties across the majority of the borough, and the local authority can and do take enforcement action. 

It’s an extra hoop to jump through, but there’s good reason. Selective, mandatory HMO or additional HMO licensing schemes are designed to provide safe environments for renters and cut down antisocial behaviour, as reported in Landlord Today.  

You need a few things in order to apply, so we have set out the essential details here. If you rent out a property in or around East Ham or Stratford, read on to find out how and where to get a landlord licence in Newham. 

Do I need a landlord licence in Newham?  

Most standard rental properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) need a landlord licence in Newham, except in Stratford Olympic Park and Royal Victoria. If you’re unsure, check the Newham Interactive Map. Landlords without a valid licence for each rental property face a financial penalty notice of up to £30,000 – so it is a key responsibility for landlords. If the case goes to court, you could receive an unlimited fine – it is one of the certificates that landlords need if in a licensing area.

How to apply for a Newham landlord licence?  

You can apply for a landlord licence via the Newham Council website. Expect to provide key information and photos or scans of essential documents, such as: 

• Licence holder’s details 
• Property information and room dimensions 
• Details of kitchen and bathroom facilities 
• Fire safety information 
• Gas Safety Certificate  
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) 
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 
• Landlord Accreditation Certificate if applicable 

Types of landlord licence in Newham  

There are three types of landlord licence in the London Borough of Newham, mandatory HMO, additional HMO and selective licences. In each case, you must meet certain requirements, and the licence holder must be a ‘fit and proper person’. You should also be aware that the council can carry out a Licensing Compliance inspection. 

For each landlord licence, you will have to pay a fee. There are some discounts, for example, for accredited landlords with membership of landlord organisations like Propertymark or the National Residential Landlord Association (NRLA), and properties that achieve a warmer home EPC rating between A+ to C. Here’s what you need to know about each licensing scheme. 

Want to know more? Discover how to check your tenants’ right to rent in East London and find out whether buy-to-let is still a worthwhile investment in East London.

Mandatory HMO licence  

Since 1 October 2018, you need a mandatory HMO licence to rent out a property to five or more people from two or more households, who are sharing facilities (e.g. a kitchen and bathroom). In Newham, the cost of a mandatory HMO licence rises according to the number of lettings, starting at £1,400 (£450 for Part A and £950 for Part B) for up to 5 lettings. You may need planning permission for C4 use, and your property must meet minimum room sizes as outlined on gov.uk.  

Additional HMO licence  

Since 1 January 2023, Newham landlords need an additional HMO licence to rent out a property with shared facilities, to three or four people from two or more households. Landlords will pay £1250 for a Newham additional HMO licence, £400 for Part A and £850 for Part B. Once again, ensure you have planning permission and that facilities and room dimensions are adequate. 

Selective licence  

Newham’s selective licensing designation scheme started on 1 June 2023. That means you will need to apply to Newham Borough Council for a selective licence for any residential rental property that’s not covered by the mandatory or additional HMO licence.

There are exceptions for registered social landlords, business tenancies, holiday homes and properties you rent to certain relatives. Always check with the council if you think you qualify for an exemption, don’t assume. Selective licences cost £750 in Newham currently, £400 for Part A and £350 for Part B. 

Can you renew a landlord licence in Newham?  

Your Newham landlord licensing renewal can be made online, using a simple renewal process if there are no changes or minor updates. If you want to change the type of licence, such as selective to HMO, you will have to go through the full renewal process.  

What happens if you are refused a licence?  

If your selective licence application is refused, Newham Borough Council will not return your Part A licence fee but will refund Part B if you’ve paid it already. 

How long do landlord licences last?  

Standard selective licences last for 5 years, but the council can issue a licence for a shorter period if they have concerns. For instance, if there been complaints about the condition of the property. 

Want to find out more? Learn about resolving a breach of tenancy agreement and explore the tenancy deposit scheme dispute process for landlords.

How to check landlord licence status  

You can check your licensing status online on the Newham Property Licensing Register. You can also investigate our article on the Barking & Dagenham Landlord Licensing Scheme if you’re letting property in that borough instead.

If in doubt about any aspect of landlord licensing laws in Newham or about renting out a property in the area, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Lint Group are on hand to offer our expertise to landlords in Dagenham, Romford, Redbridge and Newham.