Greenwich Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Greenwich
Greenwich currently operates selective licensing in 5 wards and additional licensing in 23 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Greenwich Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Greenwich? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Greenwich 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 Greenwich property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Greenwich property →What are the licensing requirements for Greenwich?
Mandatory licensing in Greenwich
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Greenwich (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 Greenwich?
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.
Greenwich operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Greenwich?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Greenwich operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 January 2024 to 30 December 2028 — borough-wide (all 23 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027 — covering Plumstead & Glyndon, Plumstead Common, Shooters Hill, Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich Common.
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 Greenwich 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 | £905.75. |
| HMO licence fee | £527.82 per letting for the first five lettings, then £316.69 per additional letting. |
Paid in two stages — half on application, half on draft licence.
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Greenwich Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Greenwich operate?
Greenwich operates selective and additional licensing (1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Greenwich 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 Greenwich, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Greenwich property licence?
You can apply through Greenwich 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 Greenwich introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Greenwich 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 Greenwich?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Greenwich
Greenwich, a royal borough in London, is located on the south bank of the River Thames in the historic county of Kent. Known for its rich naval history and expansive green spaces, Greenwich includes areas like Blackheath, Charlton, and Eltham. It is home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Maritime Greenwich. Covering 47 square kilometres, the borough had a population of 254,557 in 2011 and was granted a royal charter in 2012. The area boasts historical landmarks such as the Old Royal Naval College and the famous tea clipper Cutty Sark, making it a vibrant cultural hub with a deep historical legacy.
Licensing Enforcement in Greenwich
Greenwich 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:
