Lambeth Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Lambeth
Lambeth currently operates selective licensing in 23 wards and additional licensing; 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Lambeth Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Lambeth? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Lambeth 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.
Not sure whether a Lambeth property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Lambeth property →What are the licensing requirements for Lambeth?
Mandatory licensing in Lambeth
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Lambeth (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 Lambeth?
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.
Lambeth operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Lambeth?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Lambeth operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 9 December 2021 to 8 December 2026 — borough-wide (all 25 wards).
Selective licensing: 2 September 2024 to 1 September 2029 — covering Knight’s Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East and Streatham St Leonard’s.
Selective licensing: 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030 — covering Brixton Acre Lane, Brixton North, Brixton Rush Common, Brixton Windrush, Clapham Common & Abbeville, Clapham East, Clapham Park, Clapham Town, Gipsy Hill, Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction, Kennington, Myatt’s Fields, Oval, St Martin’s, Stockwell East, Stockwell West & Larkhall, Streatham Hill West & Thornton, Streatham Wells and West Dulwich.
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 Lambeth Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Selective licence fee: £1,025 (Part A £717.50, Part B £307.50), effective from 1 April 2026.
Additional & mandatory HMO licence fees: see the council’s property licensing pages.
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Lambeth Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Lambeth operate?
Lambeth operates selective and additional licensing (2 September 2024 to 1 September 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Lambeth 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 Lambeth, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Lambeth property licence?
You can apply through Lambeth 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 Lambeth introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Lambeth 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 Lambeth?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Lambeth
Lambeth, an inner London borough historically part of Surrey, extends south from the Thames and includes districts like Vauxhall, Brixton, and Clapham. Established in 1965, Lambeth blends rich history with modern culture. Key landmarks include the South Bank arts complex, the London Eye, and Lambeth Palace. Known for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community in Brixton, Lambeth is primarily residential with notable green spaces such as Clapham Common. Covering 10.4 square miles, Lambeth had a population of over 303,000 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Lambeth
Lambeth 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:
