Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Scheme 3: Ilford Town and Valentines wards | 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028 | £997.69 per property for applications from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (£371.05 on application, £626.64 if approved; £591.64 second payment for accredited landlords); £139.23 extra for paper applications |
| Selective licensing | Scheme 4 (confirmed by the Secretary of State on 20 December 2023): Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford and Wanstead Village wards | 8 April 2024 to 7 April 2029 | £997.69 per property for applications from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (£371.05 on application, £626.64 if approved; £591.64 second payment for accredited landlords); £139.23 extra for paper applications |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole borough (the whole area of the London Borough of Redbridge); HMOs let to 3 or more people in 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing, plus certain section 257 converted buildings | 18 September 2023 to 17 September 2028 | 2026/27: £696.14 stage 1 plus stage 2 of £1,169.20 (2 households) rising to £2,032.37 (10+ households), i.e. £1,865.34 to £2,728.51 in total; £35 off stage 2 with landlord accreditation |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough; HMOs let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households | not published to no end date | 2026/27: £696.14 stage 1 plus stage 2 of £1,169.20 (2 households) rising to £2,032.37 (10+ households), i.e. £1,865.34 to £2,728.51 in total; £35 off stage 2 with landlord accreditation |
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 Redbridge Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £997.69 per property for applications from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (£371.05 on application, £626.64 if approved; £591.64 second payment for accredited landlords); £139.23 extra for paper applications; Selective licensing £997.69 per property for applications from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (£371.05 on application, £626.64 if approved; £591.64 second payment for accredited landlords); £139.23 extra for paper applications; Additional HMO licensing 2026/27: £696.14 stage 1 plus stage 2 of £1,169.20 (2 households) rising to £2,032.37 (10+ households), i.e. £1,865.34 to £2,728.51 in total; £35 off stage 2 with landlord accreditation; Mandatory HMO licensing 2026/27: £696.14 stage 1 plus stage 2 of £1,169.20 (2 households) rising to £2,032.37 (10+ households), i.e. £1,865.34 to £2,728.51 in total; £35 off stage 2 with landlord accreditation.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Redbridge Council
- Selective licensing covers 17 wards across two schemes; landlords should check the Scheme 3 map (my.redbridge.gov.uk/map/property-licensing-sls3) and Scheme 4 map to confirm whether an address is covered.
- A licence condition requires landlords to complete a landlord accreditation course, such as LLAS, within 18 months of the full licence being issued.
- Fees are paid in two stages; the second payment is only due once the council has approved the application, and accredited landlords get £35 off it.
- The council aims to process applications within three months and issues a draft licence first, giving 14 days to comment before the final licence.
- If you are unsure whether a property meets the required standards, the council offers a pre-application property visit for £477.
- Selective licence applications must include an EPC rated A to E, a gas safety certificate, an EICR, a PAT certificate and floor plans showing fire exits and alarms.
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 Redbridge Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Scheme 3: Ilford Town and Valentines wards; Scheme 4 (confirmed by the Secretary of State on 20 December 2023): Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford and Wanstead Village wards. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Redbridge Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole borough (the whole area of the London Borough of Redbridge); HMOs let to 3 or more people in 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing, plus certain section 257 converted buildings.
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://propertylicensing.redbridge.gov.uk/