Newham Single Let Selective Licence Explained
Most private landlords in Newham don't run large shared houses — they let a single property to a family, a couple, or one tenant. Under the borough's Selective Licensing scheme, these straightforward single lets still need a licence, and the consequences of not having one are the same as for any other unlicensed property.
Who Needs a Selective Licence
Selective licensing in Newham covers the simplest rental arrangements: a property let to a single individual, a couple or family (one household), or up to two unrelated sharers. If the property is not an HMO — for example, it is occupied by one household or by one or two unrelated sharers — it falls under the Selective scheme.
The scheme applies in 21 of Newham's 23 wards. The two excluded wards are Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park. If your property is in one of those wards and it's a single let, no licence is required. For non-exempt single lets elsewhere in Newham, the Selective Licence is required.
Newham's current Selective Licensing designation runs from 1 June 2023 through 31 May 2028. This is the borough's third consecutive five-year term — Newham has operated selective licensing continuously since 2013.
The Cost
A standard Selective Licence costs £750 in total, split into two payments:
- Part A (processing fee): £400, paid when you submit the application. Non-refundable.
- Part B (licence fee): £350, paid when the council is ready to grant the licence.
Discounts are available. Accredited landlords (through NRLA, LLAS, Propertymark, Safeagent, UKALA or BLA with a minimum 5-hour course) get £50 off. Properties with an EPC rated A+, A, B, or C get another £50 off. Both discounts can stack for a maximum £100 reduction.
Properties newly entering the private rented sector with an EPC rating of C or better may qualify for a reduced total of £400 (£250 Part A, £150 Part B).
Why This Isn't Optional
Operating any licensable property in Newham without a licence is an offence under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can impose civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence (the cap increased from £30,000 on 1 May 2026). Tenants can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order through the First-tier Tribunal, claiming back up to 24 months of rent.
Newham is one of the most active enforcement boroughs in London. In a November 2024 prosecution involving an overcrowded, unlicensed HMO in East Ham, the managing agent received court fines and prosecution costs totalling £63,977.19.
Submitting a valid application does give you a statutory defence against prosecution while the application is pending — but that defence only holds if the application is "duly made," meaning all documents are correct and complete and the Part A fee is paid.
Free Download
Get the Newham Landlord Licensing Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
The Application Process
Applications go through the My Newham online portal. You'll need to provide:
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), issued within the last 12 months
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), within 5 years
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), within 10 years
- Floor plan with room dimensions in square metres
- Completed Fit and Proper Person declaration
Paper applications are accepted but carry a £100 surcharge.
If you're unsure whether your property needs a Selective Licence or a different licence type, start with the address check on Newham's portal to confirm which ward the property falls in, then count your occupants and households.
Our Newham landlord licensing guide provides the complete application walkthrough, including the document preparation checklist and worked fee examples for every licence type.
Get Your Free Newham Landlord Licensing Checklist
Download the Newham Landlord Licensing Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.