Barking and Dagenham Compliance Requirements

Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Barking and Dagenham. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.

Pop. 210,000|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
3Licence Types
9Docs Required
£1,500. Higher for more rooms.HMO Fee

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective 9 January 2025 to 8 January 2030 covering HMOs with 3+ occupants

Selective Licensing

Active

All private rented single-household properties borough-wide (effective 6 April 2025)

Article 4 Direction

Not in place

Check with planning department for specific area requirements

Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Contact council for assessment.

Property Standards

Minimum Room Sizes

single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
living room: Required for larger HMOs

Fire Safety Requirements

  • Smoke alarms on every floor
  • Heat detectors in kitchens
  • Fire doors on escape routes
  • Fire risk assessment required
  • Fire safety equipment
  • Clear escape routes

Required Certificates

Gas Safety

Annual gas safety certificate (CP12)

Electrical Safety

EICR every 5 years minimum

EPC Rating

Minimum E rating required by law

Planning Permission

C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.

Additional Requirements

  • Adequate heating throughout
  • Hot and cold water
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Secure entry systems
  • Waste management facilities

Required Documents

HMO licence application
Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment
Floor plans with measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence
£1,500 (up to 5 habitable rooms). Higher for more rooms.
Additional Licence
£1,400 (£1,000 Part A + £400 Part B). Discounts up to £250 for compliance.
Selective Licence
£950 (£650 Part A + £300 Part B)

Timeline

Licence Processing
8-12 weeks typical
Typical Setup Time
4-8 weeks from application to approval

Barking and Dagenham-Specific Notes

  • Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, and Selective Licensing
  • Additional licensing scheme launched 9 January 2025
  • Selective licensing scheme launched 6 April 2025
  • Discounts available for accredited landlords, good EPC ratings, and early applications
  • Fees split into Part A (application) and Part B (administration/enforcement)

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Barking and Dagenham?
Barking and Dagenham requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective 9 January 2025 to 8 January 2030 covering HMOs with 3+ occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Barking and Dagenham?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Barking and Dagenham?
The HMO licence fee in Barking and Dagenham is £1,500 (up to 5 habitable rooms). Higher for more rooms.. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Barking and Dagenham?
Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.
What documents are needed for compliance in Barking and Dagenham?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Barking and Dagenham Property Licensing Team

housing@lbbd.gov.uk

020 8215 3000

Barking and Dagenham Compliance Checklist

Tick off items you already have to see your compliance score.

0/16 completed0%

Licensing

0/4

Safety Certificates

0/4

Property Standards

0/4

Documentation

0/4

Need Help?

Get up to 3 free quotes from verified compliance providers in Barking and Dagenham.

Get Free Quotes →

Providers in Barking and Dagenham

Browse verified compliance providers serving this borough.

View providers →