When does this licensing scheme end?

The mandatory licence scheme (for HMOs with 5 or more people making up 2 or more households), applies across the country and it does not have an end date. The selective licensing scheme for singly occupied properties in Barking and Dagenham ended on 31 August 2024, but we are currently analysing consultation feedback and going through the process to apply for a new scheme.

What is a Property Licensing Scheme?

Everyone deserves a decent and safe home in Barking and Dagenham.

Property Licensing Schemes help councils to protect private tenants and crack down on
rogue landlords. They help to:

• improve the quality of private rented homes, ensuring they are safe for tenants to live in;
• reduce antisocial behaviour associated with poorly managed rented properties and
• allow the council to act against landlords who provide a poor standard of accommodation

Why has the council brought in a Selective Licensing Scheme?

We are absolutely determined to protect our tenants, making sure they live in safe homes that are in good condition and are well managed.

The licensing scheme means approximately 20,000 households in the borough’s private rental sector will be protected from rogue landlords and will be able to rent, knowing their properties have satisfied conditions, and are safe to live in.

How do Property Licensing Schemes protect tenants?

As part of our Licensing Schemes we inspect properties to make sure they are safe and we carry out checks to ensure people are fit to be landlords.

We set standards and conditions for the management of each property, ensure safety measures are in place, and enforce against landlords that do not meet the required conditions.

Have the current Property Licensing Schemes improved housing conditions?

Yes, the current schemes have helped us to weed out rogue landlords who put tenants at risk, and to crack down on crime, antisocial behaviour and overcrowding.

They have helped us to enforce against rogue landlords that put profits above people.

Do landlords that rent Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) also need to apply for the Selective Licensing Scheme?

If you rent out an HMO to five or more people, you will need a Mandatory HMO licence but you won't need a selective licence.

Do landlords that rent Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to less than five people need to apply for a License?

The council is working to introduce an Additional HMO Licence for HMOs that are occupied by three or more non-related people that share some facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.

How much do landlords have to pay?

HMO licence fees depend on the size of the property.  Find out more on our HMO licences page.

Selective licences cost £900 which is paid in two parts, Part A is £470 and Part B is £430.

How many people can occupy my property?

When the licence is issued it will state the permitted number of occupants in the property, which is based on bedroom sizes.

What are the licence conditions?

Mandatory HMO licence conditions (PDF, 2.79 MB)

How do I apply for a licence?

You can apply via our online system.

Apply for Licensing for rented property

What happens to landlords and managing agents that haven’t applied for a licence?

It is a criminal offence to rent out a property in Barking and Dagenham without applying for a licence.

We work closely with the police, London Fire Brigade and other agencies to identify unlicensed properties. We also carry out compliance visits to all licensed properties.

We use a range of enforcement actions if landlords rent properties without a licence, including fines and prosecutions.

Can the council refuse my application for a licence?

Yes. We carry out checks to make sure people are ‘fit and proper’ to be landlords and if we decide a landlord isn’t, we can refuse a licence.

How can I check if my landlord has a licence?

Tenants can check if their landlord has a licence by looking at our public register.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Private Rented Property Licensing team

020 8724 8898

PRPL@lbbd.gov.uk