Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | All wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park (22 of 24 wards): Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House, East Ham, East Ham South, Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park, Maryland, Plaistow North, Plaistow South, Plaistow West & Canning Town East, Plashet, Royal Albert, Stratford, Wall End & West Ham | 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 | £750 per property (Part A £400 on application, Part B £350 on grant); £50 off each for accredited landlord membership and EPC C or higher; £400 for newly private rented properties with EPC C+ or Newham nightly paid temporary accommodation; multi-dwelling £700 for second flat onwards |
| Additional HMO licensing | All wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park (22 of 24 wards); HMOs occupied by three or four people forming two or more households | 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027 | £1,250 per HMO (Part A £400 on application, Part B £850 on grant); £800 for newly private rented properties with EPC C or higher |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough; HMOs shared by five or more people forming two or more households | not published to no end date | Banded by lettings: up to 5 lettings £1,400 (Part A £450, Part B £950); 6 to 9 £1,550; 10 to 14 £1,700; 15 to 19 £1,850; 20 to 29 £2,600; higher bands on fee page |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Newham Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £750 per property (Part A £400 on application, Part B £350 on grant); £50 off each for accredited landlord membership and EPC C or higher; £400 for newly private rented properties with EPC C+ or Newham nightly paid temporary accommodation; multi-dwelling £700 for second flat onwards; Additional HMO licensing £1,250 per HMO (Part A £400 on application, Part B £850 on grant); £800 for newly private rented properties with EPC C or higher; Mandatory HMO licensing Banded by lettings: up to 5 lettings £1,400 (Part A £450, Part B £950); 6 to 9 £1,550; 10 to 14 £1,700; 15 to 19 £1,850; 20 to 29 £2,600; higher bands on fee page.
Penalties for letting without a licence
The council states that failing to license a licensable property can lead to prosecution and an unlimited fine, or a civil (financial) penalty of up to £30,000 per offence; landlords may also face rent repayment orders, entry on the rogue landlord database or a banning order.
What else to know about Newham Council
- This is Newham's third five-year licensing term; the Secretary of State confirmed the selective designation on 7 December 2022, after Cabinet approved both schemes on 22 June 2022.
- Properties in Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park wards need no selective or additional licence and no exemption confirmation, but mandatory HMO licensing still applies there; check your ward on the council's interactive map.
- Selective licences from the old scheme expired and could not be renewed; landlords had to make a new application for the 1 June 2023 scheme.
- Fees are paid in two parts: Part A is non-refundable on application, and failure to pay Part B leads to refusal with Part A retained.
- Discounts for newly private rented properties or temporary accommodation must be requested by email to propertylicensing@newham.gov.uk before applying, as the council will not apply discounts retrospectively.
- The council warns that refusal of HMO planning permission (C3 to C4) does not entitle you to a refund of the licence fee.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Newham Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: All wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park (22 of 24 wards): Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House, East Ham, East Ham South, Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park, Maryland, Plaistow North, Plaistow South, Plaistow West & Canning Town East, Plashet, Royal Albert, Stratford, Wall End & West Ham. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Newham Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: All wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park (22 of 24 wards); HMOs occupied by three or four people forming two or more households.
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://my.newham.gov.uk/Apply/Rented-Property-Licence-Application/