Landlords in a London borough have a month to apply for a licence – or else risk enforcement.

Havering council  is set to introduce a new additional HMO licensing scheme and selective licensing scheme for privately rented properties, starting on March 18.

Landlords operating in seven of Havering’s 20 wards will be required to obtain a selective licence for each property they manage before letting to single families or two sharers.

Additional HMO licensing will be in operation across the whole borough.

They will apply to homes rented to three or four unrelated persons that share amenities such as cooking and or washing facilities. 

The council claims these initiatives follow extensive consultation with residents, landlords “and stakeholders.”

A spokesperson says: “These schemes help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords, and ensure tenants are treated fairly. 

“We’re working closely with landlords to help support them to be compliant and make the process as smooth as possible.”