Exemptions

Licensing exemptions

In some cases properties maybe exempt from the requirements of licensing under part 2 of the Housing Act. The following list gives those exemptions.

Buildings controlled or managed by a Local Housing Authority
Buildings controlled or managed by registered social landlords and housing providers
Buildings controlled or managed by police
Buildings controlled or managed by fire brigade
Buildings controlled or managed by Health Service Body
Buildings regulated by other enactments
Certain university/college accommodation occupied by students
Buildings occupied by religious communities (except section 257 HMO’s)
Any building occupied by two persons who form two households. Note: This does not include building located in Romford Town and Brooklands wards from 25 January 2021 due to a change in designation.

If in doubt email us at landlordlicensing@havering.gov.uk and we will supply you with an exemption certificate to complete.

You may be eligible for a three month temporary exemption if:

the property is in the process of being sold
the owner has given the tenants notice and the property will be sold
the owner of the property is moving into the property
the property is in the process of being converted into a commercial premises
a licence holder has died the licence is terminated and a temporary exemption notice may be issued

If you think that your property may fall under one of the above criteria, you must make a temporary exemption application.

Please be sure to include evidence, which will be reviewed at the council’s discretion and may be refused.