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Property Licensing Guide for Bexley
Bexley currently operates selective licensing in 1 ward; 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?
Bexley Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Bexley? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Bexley 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 Bexley?
Mandatory licensing in Bexley
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Bexley (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 Bexley?
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.
Bexley does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme; larger HMOs are covered by the national mandatory HMO scheme.
Do I need a selective licence in Bexley?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Bexley operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 13 January 2025 to 12 January 2030 — covering Belvedere.
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 Bexley Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence fee | £830 (£350 plus £480). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | £350 plus £330 per letting; renewals £350 plus £205 per letting. |
Accredited landlords/agents get a £50 discount.
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Bexley Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Bexley operate?
Bexley operates selective licensing (13 January 2025 to 12 January 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Bexley 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 Bexley, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Bexley property licence?
You can apply through Bexley 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 Bexley introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Bexley 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 Bexley?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Bexley
Bexley is a suburban borough in southeast London, known for its green spaces, historic sites, and well-connected transport links. The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a strong sense of community and family-friendly neighbourhoods. It is home to attractions such as Danson Park, which features a large lake and Georgian mansion, and Hall Place, a historic house with beautiful gardens. Bexley has a growing population and is characterised by good schools, shopping districts like Bexleyheath, and easy access to central London via rail and road. The borough also enjoys a mix of residential housing, from traditional Victorian and Edwardian homes to modern developments, reflecting its appeal to both families and young professionals.
Licensing Enforcement in Bexley
Bexley 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:
