Selective licensing
Selective Licensing applies to all privately rented properties which are occupied by one household (subject to room sizes, age and sex of occupiers) or a maximum of 2 households comprised of 2 occupiers. It excludes houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and these are covered by the Borough’s mandatory and additional HMO licensing schemes.
Private rented properties, in the area of the scheme, need to have a licence to rent (some exemptions apply). A selective licensing scheme may be made if the area to which it relates satisfies one or more of the following conditions;
- low housing demand (or is likely to become such an area)
- a significant and persistent problem caused by anti-social behaviour
- poor property conditions
- high levels of migration
- high level of deprivation
- high levels of crime.
The requirement to seek confirmation with the Secretary of State before introducing a larger scheme was removed in December 2024. Local authorities can look to implement a selective licensing scheme of any size, as long as it can be shown it meets the statutory requirements and they have engaged in a public consultation about the proposed scheme, for a period of at least 10 weeks.
The Tower Hamlets Selective Scheme
We have operated a selective licensing scheme in the borough over the last 10 years. The first scheme operated from the 1 October 2016 until the 30 September 2021. The selective licensing designation covered three wards; private rented properties within the wards of Weavers, Whitechapel, and Banglatown & Spitalfields needed to be licensed.
The recent selective licensing scheme operated in Tower Hamlets from 1 October 2021. The scheme was introduced for five-years coming to an end on the 30 September 2026. The recent scheme was a renewal of the previous selective licensing scheme and the area included the three wards of Weavers, Whitechapel, and Banglatown & Spitalfields. The renewal required many landlords and agents to re-apply for their selective licence when they expired.
For more information about the selective licensing scheme by viewing the:
How to apply
New applications for a selective licence or a temporary exemption from licensing will close after the 30 September 2026.
With the scheme closing, no new applications can be made after the 30 September 2026.
For those making an application, please read the guidance notes to ensure that you make your application successfully. Current licence holders, please check your licence expiry date first and apply for a renewal 3-4 weeks before your current licence expires.
You need to submit a new application if the licence holder has changed.
Apply for a Selective Licence
Fees and refunds
Visit the license fees and charges page.
Fees can be paid online using a UK bank registered card. There is also the facility to make bulk payments for landlords with many properties.
Active licences after the end of the scheme
Unless issued for a shorter period, the licence is valid for 5 years assuming no significant changes to the property or the ownership in that time. Landlords and agents should check their licence and note when it expires.
After the scheme ends, the Council will continue to support the scheme including any existing licences and any live applications submitted before the end of 30 September 2026. Licence holders will be expected to comply with the property licensing conditions until their licence expires. Inspections will continue to ensure licensed private rented properties are being well managed, If changes do occur within the licence period, the licence holder must inform the council.
Licensing Register
The Housing Act 2004 requires the Council to hold a register of licensed properties in the borough.
View the Selective Licensing public register.
Future selective licensing schemes
From the 1 October 2026 there will be no selective licensing scheme in the borough. There will be no requirement for a landlord or agent to apply for a new or to renew a licence as the recent scheme will have closed.
If you are the landlord or agent of a property that was licensable before the end of the scheme, you should act now and make an application for a licence. No new applications can be made after 30 September 2026. The Council will continue to administer the scheme and process all applications made before the end of the scheme.
Looking ahead, the Council is considering what options exist for a new scheme. To better understand the size and condition of the private rented sector in Tower Hamlets, it has commissioned a private company to complete a stock modelling report. This report and the data will be available in October 2026. The Council considers the licensing of private rented properties, including HMOs, as an effective way of improving property standards and property management. Priority 4 of the Housing Strategy 2026 – 2036 aims to create a safer, fairer private rented sector. It says that the Council will improve standards through licensing covering more than 12,600 homes.
Contact us
For any queries about selective licensing, an application or your licence you can call us on 020 7364 5008 or email the housing licensing team.