Landlord licensing in London Borough of Waltham Forest

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are occupied by five or more persons, forming two or more households, who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Additional licensing

Yes, additional licensing applies to most HMOs that are not subject to mandatory HMO licensing. This includes properties occupied by three or four persons, forming two or more households, who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Selective licensing

Yes, selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties, including houses, flats, and certain converted buildings, in designated wards across the borough. Check the council's website for current designations and the specific property types covered.

Typical fees

From around £700 per property

Towns covered

Walthamstow, Leyton, Chingford

What this means for you

If you let a property in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, check whether it falls inside a licensing designation before advertising it. Licensable properties let without a licence can lead to civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence and a Rent Repayment Order for up to 12 months of rent. You are legally required to provide tenants with an up-to-date How to Rent guide at the start of a new tenancy. Additionally, ensure you comply with new provisions from the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website, keep gas, electrical, and EPC certificates current, and store the licence with your compliance records.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website