Major Shake-Up for Rentals as Havering Targets Poor Housing Standards.

Havering Council is set to roll out a major new licensing scheme covering privately rented homes in a bid to raise standards and crack down on poor-quality housing. From March 2026, landlords in Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham and Wennington, Rush Green and Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards will need a selective licence for any rental property not already classed as an HMO.

The current scheme across three wards expires in January 2026 and will be replaced by this larger, tighter model. A borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme will also launch at the same time, replacing the limited version currently covering six wards. Both schemes are designed to target unsafe properties, anti-social behaviour and landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities.

The Council says the move is needed as Havering has some of the highest levels of private renting in London and too many residents are stuck in unsafe or poorly managed homes.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “Our priority is to help protect residents and support responsible landlords. We have some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs. These licensing schemes will help us raise standards, tackle poor property management, and ensure that everyone in Havering has access to safe, secure and well-maintained homes. Many landlords already do the right thing, but this licensing helps create a level playing field by targeting those who do not. We want those landlords who don’t comply, to know we will take the strongest action against them.”

For more information, visit the Havering Council website, call 01708 432777 or 01708 432006, or email landlordlicensing@havering.gov.uk

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