Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | 17 wards in two designations. Designation One: Bowes, Brimsdown, Bullsmoor, Carterhatch, Edmonton Green, Enfield Lock, Haselbury, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Ponders End, Southbury, Upper Edmonton and Whitewebbs. Designation Two: New Southgate, Palmers Green, Southgate and Town | 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031 | £750 per property (Part 1 £450 on application, non-refundable; Part 2 £300 when the draft licence is issued); discounts for accreditation (£50), EPC C or above (£100) and multi-dwelling buildings (£100 per additional flat) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole borough (HMOs occupied by 3 or more persons forming 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing) | 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030 | £1,450 per licence (Part 1 £800 on application, non-refundable; Part 2 £650 when the draft licence is issued); £50 accreditation and £100 EPC C-or-above discounts off Part 2 |
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Enfield Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £750 per property (Part 1 £450 on application, non-refundable; Part 2 £300 when the draft licence is issued); discounts for accreditation (£50), EPC C or above (£100) and multi-dwelling buildings (£100 per additional flat); Additional HMO licensing £1,450 per licence (Part 1 £800 on application, non-refundable; Part 2 £650 when the draft licence is issued); £50 accreditation and £100 EPC C-or-above discounts off Part 2.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Enfield Council
- The new selective licensing designation was approved by Cabinet on 22 April 2026 and replaced the previous 2021 scheme (14 wards on the pre-2022 ward boundaries), which ended on 31 August 2026.
- The 2026 selective scheme covers 17 wards: 13 in Designation One and four (New Southgate, Palmers Green, Southgate and Town) in Designation Two.
- Selective licence fees are paid in two parts; Part 1 is non-refundable, and accredited landlords receive a £50 discount off Part 2.
- For multi-dwelling buildings, the selective Part 1 fee is charged in full for the first flat and reduced by £100 for each additional flat.
- Applications, renewals, variations and temporary exemption requests are made through the council's Metastreet licensing portal; enquiries go to PRSH@enfield.gov.uk.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Enfield Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: 17 wards in two designations. Designation One: Bowes, Brimsdown, Bullsmoor, Carterhatch, Edmonton Green, Enfield Lock, Haselbury, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Ponders End, Southbury, Upper Edmonton and Whitewebbs. Designation Two: New Southgate, Palmers Green, Southgate and Town. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Enfield Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole borough (HMOs occupied by 3 or more persons forming 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing).
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://enfield.metastreet.co.uk/