Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | 20 out of 22 wards in the borough (excluding Hatch Lane/Highams Park North and Endlebury); properties let to an individual, a single family or two unrelated sharers | 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2030 | £895 per property (Part A £300 on application, Part B £595 on grant); multi-property discount £770; EPC C £800; EPC A or B £600; eligible charities £400 |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole borough; HMOs outside mandatory HMO licensing (three or more people in two or more households) | 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 | £1,200 per HMO (Part A £600 on application, Part B £600 on grant); multi-property discount £1,075; EPC C £1,105; EPC A or B £800 |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough; HMOs with five or more people forming two or more households | not published to no end date | £1,650 up to 8 units; £2,200 for 9 to 19 units; £5,500 for 20 units or more (50% Part A on application, 50% Part B on grant) |
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 Waltham Forest Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £895 per property (Part A £300 on application, Part B £595 on grant); multi-property discount £770; EPC C £800; EPC A or B £600; eligible charities £400; Additional HMO licensing £1,200 per HMO (Part A £600 on application, Part B £600 on grant); multi-property discount £1,075; EPC C £1,105; EPC A or B £800; Mandatory HMO licensing £1,650 up to 8 units; £2,200 for 9 to 19 units; £5,500 for 20 units or more (50% Part A on application, 50% Part B on grant).
Penalties for letting without a licence
The council's designation notice states that operating an unlicensed property or breaching licence conditions can lead to prosecution and an unlimited fine, or as an alternative a financial penalty of up to £30,000, plus possible rent repayment orders, interim management orders and entry on the GLA Rogue Landlord and Agent register.
What else to know about Waltham Forest Council
- Both current schemes were agreed by Cabinet on 9 July 2024; the Secretary of State confirmed the selective designation to come into force on 1 May 2025.
- In Hatch Lane/Highams Park North and Endlebury wards no selective licence is needed, but properties let to three or more unrelated tenants still need an HMO licence because additional licensing is borough-wide.
- Fees are taken in two parts (Part A on application, Part B on grant) and are not refunded if you sell or stop letting after applying.
- A £125 per-dwelling multi-property discount applies only to adjoining self-contained dwellings in the same building under common ownership and management, with all applications submitted at the same time.
- Applications are made through a landlord user account on the council's property licensing portal, which works out which licence type you need from the property details entered.
- One council page gives the additional HMO scheme end date as 31 May 2030, but the signed designation states it ceases on 31 March 2030.
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 Waltham Forest Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: 20 out of 22 wards in the borough (excluding Hatch Lane/Highams Park North and Endlebury); properties let to an individual, a single family or two unrelated sharers. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Waltham Forest Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole borough; HMOs outside mandatory HMO licensing (three or more people in 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://propertylicensing.walthamforest.gov.uk/