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Property Licensing Guide for Sutton
Sutton currently operates additional licensing in 20 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Sutton Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Sutton? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Sutton and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Sutton?
Mandatory licensing in Sutton
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Sutton (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Sutton?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Sutton operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Sutton?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Sutton does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 22 March 2026 to 22 March 2030 — borough-wide (all 20 wards).
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Sutton Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Sutton Council’s property licensing pages for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Sutton Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Sutton operate?
Sutton operates additional licensing (22 March 2026 to 22 March 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Sutton need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Sutton, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Sutton property licence?
You can apply through Sutton Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Sutton introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Sutton introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Sutton?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Sutton
Sutton operates property licensing to raise standards in its private rented sector. The schemes that apply are set out below.
Licensing Enforcement in Sutton
Sutton Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary — a property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
