Croydon Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Croydon
Croydon launches selective licensing (14 wards) and additional licensing (28 wards) on 1 September 2026; mandatory HMO licensing already 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?
Croydon Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Croydon? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Croydon 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 Croydon?
Mandatory licensing in Croydon
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Croydon (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 Croydon?
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.
Croydon operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below. A further additional scheme is due to begin on 1 September 2026.
Do I need a selective licence in Croydon?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Croydon operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below. A further selective scheme is due to begin on 1 September 2026.
Selective licensing scheme (from 1 September 2026): Croydon operates a selective licensing scheme covering 14 wards — Addiscombe East, Addiscombe West, Bensham Manor, Broad Green, Fairfield, Norbury and Pollards Hill, Norbury Park, Selhurst, South Croydon, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, Waddon, West Thornton and Woodside. Licences last up to 5 years.
Additional HMO licensing scheme (from 1 September 2026): A borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme covering HMOs occupied by three or more people forming two or more households. Licences last up to 5 years.
Licence fees are confirmed — selective £800, additional HMO £1,250 per property. The date applications open will be published by Croydon Council in July 2026.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can find full details of Croydon’s 2026 licensing schemes on Croydon Council’s landlord licensing pages here. The licence fees are confirmed (below); the date from which applications can be made will be published by Croydon Council in July 2026. Or let Kamma’s expert team handle the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence | £800 per property. |
| Additional HMO licence | £1,250 per property. |
Both schemes run for up to 5 years from 1 September 2026. The date from which applications can be made will be confirmed by Croydon Council in July 2026.
Fees as published by Croydon Council; subject to change.
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Croydon Property Licensing FAQs
Is Croydon Council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Yes. From 1 September 2026, Croydon Council introduces a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme and a selective licensing scheme covering 14 wards (Addiscombe East, Addiscombe West, Bensham Manor, Broad Green, Fairfield, Norbury and Pollards Hill, Norbury Park, Selhurst, South Croydon, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, Waddon, West Thornton and Woodside). Both schemes last up to 5 years.
Do all properties in Croydon need a licence?
Not all properties require a licence, but many more will from 1 September 2026.
- HMOs with 5+ tenants need a mandatory licence (borough-wide).
- Smaller HMOs (3+ people in 2+ households) need a licence under the new borough-wide additional HMO scheme.
- Single lets and other privately rented homes need a licence if they are in one of the 14 selective licensing wards.
What if my property doesn’t have a licence?
Operating a property that requires a licence without one can lead to:
- Civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence (increased from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025), or prosecution.
- Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent.
- Enforcement action by Croydon Council.
Letting agents can be held jointly liable for properties they manage. Councils increasingly use data matching (council tax and tenancy data) to identify unlicensed properties.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes, letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Croydon.
Many agents manage the full application process, including preparing and submitting applications, gathering required documents and liaising with the council. Agents often charge landlords an administration fee, which can turn licensing into an additional revenue stream.
How do I apply for a Croydon property licence?
You can apply through Croydon Council’s website, or use a managed service to handle the process for you. Croydon has indicated that the full application process for the 2026 schemes will be available from July 2026. An application typically involves completing the online council application, providing property and tenancy details, uploading supporting documents (e.g. gas safety certificates, EPC) and paying the relevant licence fee.
How long does a property licence application take?
Processing times vary by council and the quality of the application, and can range from a few weeks to several months. Delays are common where applications are incomplete or submitted incorrectly, and high volumes during new scheme launches can increase wait times. Submitting a complete, accurate application is the best way to avoid delays.
Why do councils introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing lets a council require all privately rented homes in designated areas to be licensed, to improve property standards and management and to tackle issues such as poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour. Croydon’s selective scheme covers 14 wards from 1 September 2026.
Why do councils introduce additional HMO licensing?
Additional licensing extends HMO regulation to smaller HMOs (three or more people in two or more households) that are not covered by mandatory licensing, to improve safety and management standards. Croydon’s additional HMO scheme applies borough-wide from 1 September 2026.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence?
HMO licensing standards aim to ensure safe, well-managed accommodation. They typically cover minimum room sizes and amenity standards, fire safety (smoke alarms, fire doors and escape routes), gas and electrical safety, secure access, effective waste management and good repair. Landlords are also responsible for managing tenant behaviour. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties or revocation of the licence.
About Croydon
Croydon is a large town in South London, known for its vibrant community, rich history, and diverse cultural landscape. Historically a market town, Croydon has grown into a bustling urban center with a mix of modern amenities, historic landmarks, and green spaces. It features a well-connected transport hub with major rail, tram, and bus links that make it a gateway between central London and the southern countryside. Croydon is home to a variety of retail and dining options, as well as arts and entertainment venues, including the renowned Fairfield Halls. The town is also undergoing significant redevelopment, aiming to enhance its economy and infrastructure, while maintaining its character as a lively, multicultural hub in Greater London.
Licensing Enforcement in Croydon
Croydon is among the London boroughs significantly expanding licensing enforcement. From 1 September 2026 the borough operates a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme and a selective licensing scheme covering 14 wards, alongside the existing mandatory HMO licensing regime. Operating a property that requires a licence without one is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution, financial penalties and rent repayment orders. Letting agents can be held jointly liable for properties they manage, and councils increasingly use data matching to identify unlicensed properties.
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:
