Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Redbridge?

London Borough of Redbridge currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.

How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Redbridge?

Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Redbridge are approximately: Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2023-2028: £1,757; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,950; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 3 (Valentines and Ilford Town): £890; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 4 (15 Wards): £890; Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2017-2022 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 1 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 2 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.

Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Redbridge?

Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Redbridge. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Redbridge for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.

What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Redbridge?

Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Enhanced research coverage

Landlord licensing in London Borough of Redbridge

London

We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.

Council website

Licensing scorecard

Enhanced coverage

Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.

Selective licensing

Active selective

Additional HMO licensing

Active additional

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies across England

Source confidence: High
Boundary confidence: Low
Public register: Clear searchable register (1/5)
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026
Next review due: Not scheduled
Sources recorded: 12

Open the official council source

Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.

Recommended next step

Verify the position with the official council source

Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Check the official council source Get a written property licensing check

What still adds uncertainty

At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.

Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.

Verify with the council

Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with London Borough of Redbridge.

Verify on official council licensing page Council website Report an inaccuracy

Council updates

Get updates for London Borough of Redbridge

We will email you if London Borough of Redbridge introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.

Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you need more than the council page

This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.

Property Licensing Check

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A property-specific PDF licensing report with a verification email template, current scheme fees, and a £30,000 risk context block — delivered to your inbox automatically.

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Licensing Due Diligence Report

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A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.

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Alerts and monitoring

£12.99/month · Coming soon

A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.

See alerts and monitoring

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

Check a postcode in London Borough of Redbridge

Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.

Local licensing scheme records

Additional LicensingActive

Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2023-2028

Borough-wide additional HMO licensing covering all privately rented HMOs occupied by three or four people forming two or more households who share (or lack) a toilet, personal washing facilities, or cooking facilities. Also applies to certain converted buildings (Section 257 HMOs) where all accommodation is privately rented and the building and accommodation units are effectively under the same ownership or control. Approved by Redbridge Council on 30 May 2023.

HMO licence fee: £1,757
Fee guide: 2025-2026 fees (two-stage payment, fee depends on number of households): 2 households: £1,664 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,043); 3 households: £1,757 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,136); 4 households: £1,863 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,242). Paper application surcharge: £124.20. 2026-2027 fees: 2 households: £1,865.34; 3 households: £1,969.60; 4 households: £2,088.42. Fees reviewed annually each April. At launch in September 2023 a four-person shared house cost £1,800. £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. LLAS, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Discount available: £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. LLAS, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Scheme period: 18 September 2023 - 17 September 2028
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Replaced the previous additional licensing scheme that ran from 13 April 2017 to 12 April 2022. Following its expiry, the council held a public consultation from 13 December 2021 to 7 March 2022. Scheme approved 30 May 2023 and commenced 18 September 2023. The fee_amount shown (£1,757) represents the standard three-household fee for 2025-2026. Property types covered: HMOs occupied by three or four people from two or more households sharing facilities, plus certain Section 257 converted flat buildings where all units are privately rented under the same ownership/control. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already subject to mandatory HMO licensing. Empty properties. Properties managed by social housing providers or educational institutions.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 3 (Valentines and Ilford Town)

All privately rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in the Valentines and Ilford Town council wards. A map to verify property location is available at https://my.redbridge.gov.uk/map/property-licensing-sls3.

Licence fee: £890
Fee guide: 2025-2026 fee: £890 total (Stage 1: £331 due at application; Stage 2: £559, or £524 for accredited landlords). 2026-2027 fee: £997.69 total (Stage 1: £371.05; Stage 2: £626.64, or £591.64 for accredited landlords). Paper application surcharge: £124.20 (2025-2026) or £139.23 (2026-2027). Fees reviewed annually each April. £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Discount available: £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Scheme period: 1 November 2023 - 31 October 2028
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

This is the third generation selective licensing scheme in Redbridge, designated 26 June 2023 and commencing 1 November 2023. The original Selective Scheme 1 covering Clementswood and Valentines wards ran from 13 July 2017 to 12 July 2022. Licence conditions require the licence holder and/or property manager to complete a Landlord Accreditation course (LLAS or similar) or attend at least 5 hours of training within 18 months of full licence issue. Property types covered: Privately rented properties let to a single household or two unrelated people sharing a property. Does not apply to properties already requiring an HMO licence. Exemptions or exclusions: Holiday lets, business premises, socially-rented properties, university student accommodation, properties already licensed as HMOs, and empty properties. Temporary exemption notices of up to three months available for landlords ceasing rental or selling properties (maximum two applications).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 4 (15 Wards)

All privately rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers across 15 designated council wards. Government approval received 20 December 2023. A map to verify property location is available at https://my.redbridge.gov.uk/map/property-licensing-sls4.

Licence fee: £890
Fee guide: 2025-2026 fee: £890 total (Stage 1: £331 due at application; Stage 2: £559, or £524 for accredited landlords). 2026-2027 fee: £997.69 total (Stage 1: £371.05; Stage 2: £626.64, or £591.64 for accredited landlords). Paper application surcharge: £124.20 (2025-2026) or £139.23 (2026-2027). Fees reviewed annually each April. At scheme launch in April 2024, the fee was £860. £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Discount available: £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation (e.g. London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, NRLA, British Landlords Association) at time of application.
Scheme period: 8 April 2024 - 7 April 2029
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Secretary of State approval required as the scheme covers more than 20% of the private rented sector. This scheme replaced coverage previously provided by the original Selective Scheme 2 which covered 12 wards and expired 30 September 2023. Licence conditions require the licence holder and/or property manager to complete a Landlord Accreditation course (LLAS or similar) or attend at least 5 hours of training within 18 months of full licence issue. Property types covered: Privately rented properties let to a single household or two unrelated people sharing a property. Does not apply to properties already requiring an HMO licence. Exemptions or exclusions: Holiday lets, business premises, socially-rented properties, university student accommodation, properties already licensed as HMOs, and empty properties. Temporary exemption notices of up to three months available for landlords ceasing rental or selling properties (maximum two applications).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Additional LicensingExpired

Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2017-2022 (Expired)

Previous borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme. Expired April 2022. A consultation on a replacement scheme was held from 13 December 2021 to 7 March 2022.

Fee guide: Historical fees not confirmed.
Scheme period: 13 April 2017 - 12 April 2022
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Expired 12 April 2022. Replacement scheme commenced 18 September 2023. There was a gap of approximately 17 months between the expiry of the old scheme and the commencement of the new one. Property types covered: HMOs occupied by three or four people from two or more households sharing facilities.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingExpired

Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 1 (Expired)

Original selective licensing scheme covering the old council wards of Clementswood and Valentines. Designated under the General Approval 2015.

Fee guide: Historical fees not confirmed.
Scheme period: 13 July 2017 - 12 July 2022
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: Selected wards: Clementswood (old ward boundaries), Valentines (old ward boundaries)

Research notes

The original selective licensing scheme, introduced in 2017. Expired 12 July 2022. Succeeded by Selective Scheme 3 (from 1 November 2023) covering the same geographic area under new ward boundaries. Property types covered: Privately rented properties let to a single household or two unrelated sharers.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingExpired

Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 2 (Expired)

Second generation selective licensing scheme covering 12 council wards: Goodmayes, Loxford, Snaresbrook, Roding, Newbury, Mayfield, Cranbrook, Seven Kings, Chadwell, Fairlop, Aldborough, and Church End. Required Secretary of State approval due to scale.

Fee guide: Historical fees not confirmed.
Scheme period: Start date not shown - 30 September 2023
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Expired 30 September 2023. Succeeded by Selective Scheme 4 (from 8 April 2024) covering 15 wards under new ward boundaries. Exact start date not confirmed but estimated circa 2018. Property types covered: Privately rented properties let to a single household or two unrelated sharers.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Public licensing register

Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.

Public register found: Yes
Search method: Search online
Register usability: Clear searchable register (1/5)

HMOAdditionalSelective

Appears to cover HMO, additional and selective licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.

Register notes

The public register is hosted on the Verso Home property licensing platform at propertylicensing.redbridge.gov.uk. The register covers properties licensed under all three Housing Act 2004 schemes (mandatory HMO, additional HMO, and selective licensing), plus temporary exemption notices and management orders. The register was reported as temporarily unavailable due to a technical issue at the time of extraction (March 2026); those needing register information were directed to email prslicensing@redbridge.gov.uk. The register is updated regularly as new property licences are issued. The council also maintains a separate property licensing register page at https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/housing/landlords/property-licensing-register/.

Open the public register

The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.

Research summary

These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.

Last reviewed

27 March 2026

Research confidence

High (77/100)

Sources checked

Research notes

Data gathered from official Redbridge Council web pages (selectively fetched directly), official news announcements, and corroborated by London Property Licensing and Kamma. Fee tables for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 were directly confirmed from the official HMO and selective licensing pages. Scheme dates and ward coverage confirmed across multiple sources. Expired scheme details confirmed via London Property Licensing historical reporting. The public register URL confirmed but noted as temporarily unavailable at time of extraction.

Council contact details

Email: prslicensing@redbridge.gov.uk

Important to verify

Phone number for the Property Licensing and Enforcement Team (email only confirmed)
Section 257 HMO explicit coverage confirmation in additional licensing scheme documentation
Exact start date for the original Selective Scheme 2 (end date of 30 September 2023 confirmed, start date estimated circa 2018)
Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.

Supporting sources

Mandatory HMO licensing

All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from London Borough of Redbridge.

Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with London Borough of Redbridge.

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

National mandatory HMO licensing scheme applying borough-wide to all HMOs occupied by five or more people forming more than one household who share amenities. Applies as a statutory requirement under the Housing Act 2004.

HMO fee guide: £1,950
Fee notes: 2025-2026 fees (two-stage payment, fee depends on number of households): 2 households: £1,664 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,043); 3 households: £1,757 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,136); 4 households: £1,863 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,242); 5 households: £1,950 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,329); 6 households: £2,049 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,428); 7 households: £2,142 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,521); 8 households: £2,236 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,615); 9 households: £2,335 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,714); 10+ households: £2,434 (Stage 1: £621, Stage 2: £1,813). Paper application surcharge: £124.20. 2026-2027 fees: 5 households: £2,185.95; 10+ households: £2,728.51. Fees reviewed annually each April. The fee_amount shown (£1,950) represents the standard five-single-lettings shared house fee for 2025-2026. £35 discount on Stage 2 fee for landlords who provide proof of accreditation at time of application.
Typical licence term: 5 years

Mandatory HMO licensing has been in force nationally since 2006, extended to all properties with 5+ persons (regardless of storeys) in October 2018. The same fee table applies to both mandatory and additional HMO licensing in Redbridge, scaled by number of households. Property types covered: Properties meeting the standard test, self-contained flat test, or converted building test HMO definition in Section 254 of the Housing Act 2004, occupied by five or more people forming more than one household who share amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Exemptions or exclusions: Purpose-built self-contained flats within blocks of three or more self-contained flats where the freeholder is not involved in management. Properties managed by social housing providers or educational institutions.

View HMO licensing info on council website

Other compliance requirements

In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts

View full compliance checklist →

Common questions about licensing in London Borough of Redbridge

Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Redbridge?: London Borough of Redbridge currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Redbridge?: Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Redbridge are approximately: Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2023-2028: £1,757; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,950; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 3 (Valentines and Ilford Town): £890; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 4 (15 Wards): £890; Redbridge Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2017-2022 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 1 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed; Redbridge Selective Licensing Scheme 2 (Expired): Historical fees not confirmed. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Redbridge?: Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Redbridge. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Redbridge for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Redbridge?: Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you

Use these routes to move from the London Borough of Redbridge summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.

Landlord with a standard let→

Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.

Shared occupancy or possible HMO→

Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.

Check if a property has an HMO licence→

Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.

Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→

Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.

Letting agent or portfolio manager→

Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.

Understand selective licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.

Understand additional licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.

Need the local HMO route→

Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.

Tenant checking landlord compliance→

Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.

Important disclaimer

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.