Havering’s 2026 licensing scheme: what Romford landlords need to know
Havering’s earlier selective licensing scheme ended in early 2026. A new scheme started on 18 March 2026 and runs to 17 March 2031, covering seven wards. A borough-wide additional licensing scheme for HMOs started at the same time.
Which wards are covered
- Beam Park
- Harold Wood
- Rainham and Wennington
- Rush Green and Crowlands
- Squirrels Heath
- St Alban’s
- St Edward’s
Ward boundaries changed in 2022, and parts of what used to be the Romford Town and Brooklands wards now sit in St Alban’s, St Edward’s and Rush Green and Crowlands. If your property is in central Romford, check it against the council’s map rather than assuming it is outside the scheme.
HMOs
Every HMO in Havering now needs a licence: smaller HMOs under the additional scheme and larger ones under mandatory licensing.
What a licence involves
As with neighbouring boroughs, expect conditions covering gas and electrical safety, alarms, tenancy paperwork, waste and anti-social behaviour, with a fit and proper licence holder. The council sets the fee and can inspect.
We check your address against the map and apply where needed. See property management in Romford and Havering.
Checked on 4 November 2026 against published sources, including Havering Council’s licensing page.
