Barking and Dagenham selective licensing: a landlord’s guide
Barking and Dagenham was the first council to use new powers to license every privately rented home in its area without needing government approval. If you let a house or flat anywhere in the borough, from Barking Riverside to Chadwell Heath, you almost certainly need a licence.
Who needs a licence
The borough-wide selective licensing scheme started on 6 April 2025 and runs for five years. It covers privately rented homes let to a single household, or to two people sharing. Houses in multiple occupation need an HMO licence instead: a mandatory licence for five or more people from two or more households, and the council’s rules for smaller HMOs.
What the licence requires
- A valid gas safety certificate and Electrical Installation Condition Report
- A working smoke alarm on each floor, plus carbon monoxide alarms where the law requires
- A written tenancy agreement and a protected deposit
- Proper arrangements for rubbish and recycling
- Taking reasonable steps to deal with anti-social behaviour
- A fit and proper licence holder and manager
Penalties
Renting without a licence is a criminal offence. The council can issue a civil penalty instead of prosecuting, and published sources put the maximum at £40,000 per property for offences from 1 May 2026. Tenants can apply for a rent repayment order of up to 12 months’ rent, and an unlicensed property limits your ability to regain possession.
How to apply
Applications are made to the council with documents for safety certificates, the tenancy and the proposed licence holder. The council sets the fee and may inspect. If you have several properties, each needs its own licence.
We prepare and submit applications, carry out the conditions and keep the licence current. See property management in Barking and Dagenham.
Checked on 4 November 2026 against published sources. Fees and conditions are set by Barking and Dagenham Council; check the current position before applying.
