Private Tenant Rights in Newham
Newham operates a borough-wide selective licensing scheme covering virtually all privately rented properties. A landlord renting any property in Newham without a selective licence is committing a criminal offence — whether it is a single flat, a bedsit, a family home, or a shared house.
With over 33,000 households on Newham's social housing waiting list — one of the largest in London — many families who would prefer social housing are pushed into a private rented sector they cannot afford. Newham also has the highest overcrowding rate in London at over 25%.
Despite the comprehensive selective licensing scheme, many Newham landlords continue to rent without a licence. Because the scheme covers virtually every private rental, almost every Newham tenant has grounds to check whether their landlord had the required licence — and if they did not, to claim up to 12 months' rent back.
Rent Deposit Compensation in Newham
If your Newham landlord failed to protect your deposit within 30 days, or did not give you the correct Prescribed Information, you can claim between 1 and 3 times the deposit amount — even after leaving the property, and even if your deposit was returned.
We check deposit protection records for Newham tenants at no charge. Many people discover they have a valid claim they were completely unaware of.
Rent Repayment Orders in Newham
Newham operates: Mandatory HMO Licensing (national) and Borough-wide Selective Licensing covering virtually all private rentals in Newham. If your landlord rented without the correct licence, you can apply to get back up to 12 months of rent already paid. We check the Newham Council licensing register for your specific property address at no charge.