Licensing in force Additional and selective licensing in 22 wards.
Licensing schemes in Newham
| Scheme | Applies to | Area | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England | Since 2006 (national law) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Homes let to 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households | 22 wards, including Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House and East Ham | 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027 |
| Selective licensing | Almost all privately rented homes | The same 22 wards | 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 |
What this means for landlords in Newham
- Fees when we checked: £750 for a selective licence and £1,250 for an additional HMO licence.
How to check your property
- Work out who lives there: how many people, and whether they are one household or sharers.
- Check the exact address against the council's map or address checker. Schemes often cover parts of wards, and boundaries change.
- Apply before you let, or straight away if a new scheme has started. Letting without a required licence can lead to a fine or civil penalty and a rent repayment order.
- Check planning too. Some areas need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO (an Article 4 direction).
Our free council finder tells you which council covers a postcode, and the HMO compliance checker helps you work out whether a property is an HMO.
Official information: London Borough of Newham: rented property licensing
Other councils
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out a house in Newham?
It depends on the property, who lives there and exactly where it is. Every council licenses larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households). In Newham, additional hmo licensing applies to homes let to 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households in the designated wards (1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027); selective licensing applies to almost all privately rented homes in The same 22 wards (1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028). Check the address with London Borough of Newham.
What happens if I let a property in Newham without a licence?
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty, and tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order.
How does LandlordHub help with licensing?
LandlordHub tracks each property's licence alongside gas, electrical, EPC and other certificates, and reminds you before anything expires. The council finder and HMO checker are free to use without an account.