Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Three designations covering the pre-May 2022 wards of Brockley, Catford South, Lewisham Central, New Cross, Perry Vale, Rushey Green, Crofton Park, Evelyn, Ladywell, Lee Green, Sydenham, Bellingham, Downham, Forest Hill, Grove Park and Whitefoot (Telegraph Hill and Blackheath wards are not included) | 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2029 | £640 per property (£160 on application and £480 when the licence is granted); discounts for early applications, accredited landlords and eligible charities are taken off the second payment |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole borough (the entire area of the London Borough of Lewisham) | 5 April 2022 to 4 April 2027 | £500 per lettable unit (£250 on application and £250 before the licence is issued); £400 for accredited landlords; £250 for transfers from an existing licence or eligible charities |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough | not published to no end date | £500 per lettable unit (£250 on application and £250 before the licence is issued); £400 for accredited landlords; £250 for transfers from an existing licence or eligible charities |
Check your street on the council map →
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 Lewisham Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £640 per property (£160 on application and £480 when the licence is granted); discounts for early applications, accredited landlords and eligible charities are taken off the second payment; Additional HMO licensing £500 per lettable unit (£250 on application and £250 before the licence is issued); £400 for accredited landlords; £250 for transfers from an existing licence or eligible charities; Mandatory HMO licensing £500 per lettable unit (£250 on application and £250 before the licence is issued); £400 for accredited landlords; £250 for transfers from an existing licence or eligible charities.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Lewisham says it can issue civil penalty notices of up to £40,000 for breaches of licensing requirements, as well as prosecuting landlords and revoking licences. Landlords cannot use section 21 to evict tenants from an unlicensed property.
What else to know about Lewisham Council
- The Secretary of State confirmed the selective licensing designations on 30 November 2023. They came into force on 1 July 2024 and cover around 20,000 privately rented homes.
- To check whether an address needs a selective licence, use the council's interactive map and choose the 'Selective Licensable Area' layer.
- Selective licence applications must include an Energy Performance Certificate, an Electrical Installation Condition Report and, where there is a gas supply, a Gas Safety Certificate.
- HMO licence fees are paid in two parts. Part 1 is taken on application and Part 2 is taken before the licence is issued. There are no refunds if an application is refused.
- The additional HMO designation was approved by Mayor and Cabinet on 11 March 2020 and lasts until 4 April 2027. On 9 October 2026 the council's consultation hub listed no consultation on renewing it.
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 Lewisham Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Three designations covering the pre-May 2022 wards of Brockley, Catford South, Lewisham Central, New Cross, Perry Vale, Rushey Green, Crofton Park, Evelyn, Ladywell, Lee Green, Sydenham, Bellingham, Downham, Forest Hill, Grove Park and Whitefoot (Telegraph Hill and Blackheath wards are not included). Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Lewisham Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole borough (the entire area of the London Borough of Lewisham).
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://lewisham.metastreet.co.uk/login