Barking and Dagenham Landlord License Explained

In 2025, Barking and Dagenham Council brought in two new licensing schemes – and if you aren’t up to date with the new rules, it’s time to take action. If you don’t hold a valid landlord licence, you could face a financial penalty and prosecution.

Applying for a landlord licence for your Barking and Dagenham buy-to-let property is now an essential step. Not sure where to start? Read on. We explain how to apply for the Barking and Dagenham landlord licence in this guide.

What is a landlord licence?

Landlord licences have been brought in to raise the living standards in private rented sector homes, and drive out non-compliant landlords. Another of their aims is to improve local neighbourhoods by reducing anti-social behaviour where it’s linked to rental properties in the area.

Do I need a landlord licence in Barking and Dagenham?

Most private landlords in Barking and Dagenham now need a landlord licence. It’s not worth renting out a property without a landlord licence. The local council can give you a civil penalty notice up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Order and if you are prosecuted, an unlimited fine or even a criminal record. There are other schemes operating across east London, such as Redbridge licensing scheme for landlords.

Landlord licences in Barking & Dagenham

As of 2025, there are three landlord licensing schemes in Barking and Dagenham, each requiring an application to the council.

1. Mandatory HMO Licences

Do you rent to five or more people, who form two or more households? If so, you need a mandatory HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence.

Cost: £1,680+

2. Additional HMO Licences

From 9 January 2025 for a 5-year period, HMOs for 3 or 4 people forming at least 2 households now need an additional licence. The exceptions are “section 257 HMOs: certain converted blocks of flats”.

Cost: £1,400

3. Selective Landlord Licences

As reported in Propertymark, Barking and Dagenham Council also introduced a selective licensing scheme borough-wide, which came into effect on 6 April 2025 and lasts for 5 years. If you rent to a single person, single household or two unrelated people living in the same rental property, you need a selective landlord licence.

Cost: £950

How to apply for a landlord licence

Gather the documents you’ll need to provide with your application. These include property details and dimensions, floor plans, information on safety measures you’re taken, and your legally required landlord documents. For example, tenancy agreements, EPCs, EICRs, health and safety certificates, and proof of accreditation membership if you have it.

Landlords have to apply online, after creating a Barking and Dagenham landlord account to do so. Once you have completed the application, the council will:

• Verify your documents
• Carry out ‘fit and proper’ checks
• Inspect the property
• Share the inspection report with the landlord

Are there any exemptions or discounts for landlord licensing?

Landlords may be able to claim an exemption or discount on Barking and Dagenham landlord licensing costs. If you think your rental property qualifies for an exemption, seek advice to make sure.

Landlord licence exemptions

There are multiple exemptions available, which include:

• Owner-occupied properties
• Holiday lets
• Business tenancies
• HMOs managed by registered charities
• Student halls of residence

Temporary Exemption Notices

The council also offers Temporary Exemption Notices (TENs), lasting for 3 months only. These can be granted in situations including:

• If the owner is moving back in with 2 or fewer tenants
• During probate if the licence holder has died
• While selling the property
• Preparing to sell the property
• When the owner has defaulted on the mortgage
• During conversion into flats

Discounts for landlord licences

Barking and Dagenham Council reward best practice with discounts on the selective licence and additional licence.

• £200 discount for the Silver compliance award for landlords who achieve a satisfactory rating on inspection
• £250 discount for the Gold compliance award, for landlord with a satisfactory rating and landlord accreditation. They must be accredited by recognised industry bodies such as the National Residential Landlord Association (NRLA), Safeagent, Propertymark or the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS).

How long does a landlord licence last?

Barking and Dagenham landlord licences last for 5 years, but the council can offer a reduced-term 1-year licence in some situations. For instance, for a previously unlicensed property for 3 months leading up to the application. Landlord licensing renewals cost the same as the initial licence fees.

What happens if my licence application is rejected?

You have a 21-day consultation period to make your representations before the council issues a final decision. If your private landlord licence application is rejected, you have 28 days go to the First-Tied Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Understand Barking and Dagenham landlord license conditions?

Unsure about the landlord licence requirements or the application process? Speak to Lint Group to find out how we can help with your rental property in Dagenham, Newham or Grays, from compliance issues to guaranteed rent.