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.

Temporary exemptions

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.

Apply for a temporary exemption

Public register of temporary exemption notices

View the public register of temporary exemption notices issued