Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Southwark?

London Borough of Southwark currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.

How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Southwark?

Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Southwark are approximately: Additional Licensing (Borough-wide): £1,365; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,575; Selective Licensing - Designation 1 (5 wards): £945; Selective Licensing - Designation 2 (14 wards): £945. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.

Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Southwark?

Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Southwark. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Southwark for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.

What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Southwark?

Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Enhanced research coverage

Landlord licensing in London Borough of Southwark

London

We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.

Council website

Licensing scorecard

Enhanced coverage

Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.

Selective licensing

Active selective

Additional HMO licensing

Active additional

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies across England

Source confidence: High
Boundary confidence: Low
Public register: Clear searchable register (1/5)
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026
Next review due: Not scheduled
Sources recorded: 10

Open the official council source

Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.

Recommended next step

Verify the position with the official council source

Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Check the official council source Get a written property licensing check

What still adds uncertainty

At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.

Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.

Verify with the council

Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with London Borough of Southwark.

Verify on official council licensing page Council website Report an inaccuracy

Council updates

Get updates for London Borough of Southwark

We will email you if London Borough of Southwark introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.

Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you need more than the council page

This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.

Property Licensing Check

£29 · Live now

A property-specific PDF licensing report with a verification email template, current scheme fees, and a £30,000 risk context block — delivered to your inbox automatically.

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Licensing Due Diligence Report

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A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.

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Alerts and monitoring

£12.99/month · Coming soon

A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.

See alerts and monitoring

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

Check a postcode in London Borough of Southwark

Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.

Local licensing scheme records

Additional LicensingActive

Additional Licensing (Borough-wide)

Applies to HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing, including properties shared by 3 or 4 people who are not all related and share facilities. Also covers Section 257 HMOs (buildings with 3+ floors converted into 3+ self-contained flats not complying with 1991+ building regulations) and flats in multiple occupation in purpose-built blocks of 3+ flats.

HMO licence fee: £1,365
Fee guide: Total fee of £1,365.10 (Part A: £969.20, Part B: £395.90). Section 257 HMO licences are free (£0). Fees valid until 31 March 2026; increases apply from 1 April 2026. Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Discount available: Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Scheme period: 1 March 2022 - 28 February 2027
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Designation declaration dated 28 October 2021. PDF available at: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-11/Additional%20Licensing%20Final%20Designation%20Declaration%2028%2010%2021.pdf Property types covered: Smaller HMOs (3-4 unrelated occupants sharing facilities), Section 257 HMOs (3+ storey buildings converted to 3+ self-contained flats under same ownership/control), flats in multiple occupation in purpose-built blocks of 3+ flats. Exemptions or exclusions: Section 257 HMO licences are free of charge. Landlords of Section 257 HMOs may need additional licences for individual flats within the building.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing - Designation 1 (5 wards)

Selective licensing for all privately rented properties not covered by mandatory or additional licensing in the designated wards. Originally approved October 2021 covering approximately 6,000 properties.

Licence fee: £945
Fee guide: Total fee of £945 (Part A: £661.50, Part B: £283.50). Fee remains unchanged from 1 April 2026. Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Discount available: Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Scheme period: 1 March 2022 - 28 February 2027
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Designation declaration dated 28 October 2021. Interactive map available at https://geomap.southwark.gov.uk to check if a specific property requires a selective licence. Property types covered: All privately rented properties with single households or two unrelated occupants not requiring mandatory or additional licensing.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing - Designation 2 (14 wards)

Expanded selective licensing scheme approved November 2023, covering 14 additional wards. Applies to all privately rented properties not covered by mandatory or additional licensing in the designated wards.

Licence fee: £945
Fee guide: Total fee of £945 (Part A: £661.50, Part B: £283.50). Fee remains unchanged from 1 April 2026. Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Discount available: Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Scheme period: 1 November 2023 - 31 October 2028
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Designation declaration dated 14 June 2023. Interactive map available at https://geomap.southwark.gov.uk to check if a specific property requires a selective licence. Property types covered: All privately rented properties with single households or two unrelated occupants not requiring mandatory or additional licensing.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Public licensing register

Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.

Public register found: Yes
Search method: Search online
Register usability: Clear searchable register (1/5)

HMOAdditional (unconfirmed)Selective (unconfirmed)

Appears to cover HMO licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.

Open the public register

The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.

Research summary

These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.

Last reviewed

27 March 2026

Research confidence

High (84/100)

Sources checked

Research notes

Data sourced directly from Southwark Council official web pages, supplemented by established third-party aggregators (London Property Licensing, Kamma). Fee breakdowns confirmed from the council's dedicated fees page with Part A/Part B splits. Ward lists confirmed across multiple sources. Scheme dates confirmed from designation declarations. Public register URL verified.

Council contact details

Email: residential.regen@southwark.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7525 3114

Important to verify

Exact exemptions list for selective licensing schemes
Mandatory HMO scheme formal start/end dates (national scheme, ongoing)
April 2026 updated fee amounts for mandatory and additional licences (stated to increase but exact figures not yet published on fees page)
Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.

Supporting sources

Mandatory HMO licensing

All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from London Borough of Southwark.

Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with London Borough of Southwark.

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Properties occupied by 5 or more people who form more than one household and share facilities such as toilet, bathroom, or kitchen. Covers shared houses, bedsits, and converted buildings. This is the national mandatory scheme applying borough-wide.

HMO fee guide: £1,575
Fee notes: Total fee of £1,575 for first 5 bedrooms (Part A: £1,102.50, Part B: £472.50). Additional £105 per bedroom above 5 (Part A: £73.50, Part B: £31.50). Fees valid until 31 March 2026; increases apply from 1 April 2026. Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount on Part B fee. Charter landlords also signed up to finders' fee scheme are exempt from Part B. Registered charities providing housing at below market rent or for vulnerable people receive 50% discount on both Part A and Part B.
Typical licence term: 5 years

Minimum room sizes enforced since 1 October 2018: 4.64m2 for children under 10, 6.51m2 for one person over 10, 10.22m2 for two people over 10. Planning permission is required separately if letting to 7+ people or if the property is in an Article 4 direction area. Property types covered: Large HMOs with 5+ occupants from 2+ households sharing facilities. Exemptions or exclusions: Purpose-built self-contained flats in blocks of 3 or more units are excluded from mandatory licensing.

View HMO licensing info on council website

Other compliance requirements

In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts

View full compliance checklist →

Common questions about licensing in London Borough of Southwark

Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Southwark?: London Borough of Southwark currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Southwark?: Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Southwark are approximately: Additional Licensing (Borough-wide): £1,365; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,575; Selective Licensing - Designation 1 (5 wards): £945; Selective Licensing - Designation 2 (14 wards): £945. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Southwark?: Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Southwark. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Southwark for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Southwark?: Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you

Use these routes to move from the London Borough of Southwark summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.

Landlord with a standard let→

Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.

Shared occupancy or possible HMO→

Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.

Check if a property has an HMO licence→

Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.

Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→

Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.

Letting agent or portfolio manager→

Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.

Understand selective licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.

Understand additional licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.

Need the local HMO route→

Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.

Tenant checking landlord compliance→

Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.

Important disclaimer

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.