Both Newham and Waltham Forest have both been designated as Private Rented Property Licence Area’s.

This means that owners of every privately rented home in either borough must apply for a Private Rented Property Licence (PRPL), to be issued by the Council.

Owners with multiple rented properties in the boroughs must complete an application for each property.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, each property will need a licence.

Newham
You can apply for a licence by visiting the Councils website at www.newham.gov.uk/propertylicensing

If you require any further information or advice then you can contact the property licensing and technical support team on 0203 3731950 or alternatively e-mail - propertylicensing@newham.gov.uk

Waltham Forest
You can apply for a licence by visiting the Councils website at www.walthamforest.gov.uk/pages/services/sl-selective-licensing.aspx

Should you experience problems whilst applying for your licence then you can call Customer Services 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday on 020 8496 3000.

The full fee is £500 for a licence. (Subject to application date) Enforcement action can be taken against landlords who fail to license and they could face fines of up to £20,000.

Licensing will help identify rogue landlords who impact negatively on the reputation of private landlords. It will improve the rental market across the boroughs by raising standards, whilst also supporting responsible landlords with tenancy disputes and troublesome and anti-social tenants. Landlords will benefit from a more professional and robust market and more sustainable tenancies.

Licensing will help identify and penalise rogue landlords who are responsible for creating poor housing conditions and limiting the rental choices available to Newham and Waltham Forest residents.

It will improve the rental market across the areas by raising standards, supporting tenants and hopefully creating a more stable community.

Every landlord will be given reasonable time to licence their properties but the council will pursue those who flout the law. Complete applications to licence a property must be submitted to the Property Licensing Team.

It would be an offence to fail to licence a property that requires one. It could result in prosecution, with a fine of up to £20,000. Additionally a rent repayment order (RRO) for up to 12 months rental income can be made.

Rogue landlords will have a reduced licence period of a year and will be monitored to ensure they improve the management of their tenancies and properties and will have to renew their licences at more regular intervals.

Licensing will help identify those landlords who flout the law and will allow Newham and Waltham Forest to tackle associated issues. This will in turn improve the rental market across the areas, whilst also supporting responsible landlords with tenancy disputes and anti-social tenants by offering guidance and advice.