The London borough is replacing its selective scheme which ends in January and only covered Brooklands and Romford Town wards. The new designation applies to seven wards: Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham and Wennington, Rush Green and Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Albans and St Edwards.

A borough-wide additional scheme will replace the existing HMO scheme which covered six wards and also ends in January.

However, landlords will have to fork out more for both; the selective licensing fee has gone up from £900 to £950 while the additional scheme will cost £1,400 – up from £900.The authority says it hopes to tackle poor housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure landlords meet their responsibilities to provide safe, well-managed homes for local people.

Council leader Ray Morgon explains that the council’s priority is to help protect residents and support responsible landlords. The area has some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs, adds Morgon. “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.”

Both schemes take effect on 18th March, and landlords can start applying after 25th January although there is no discount for early applications.