Lewisham HMO licensing schemes for the private rented sector
Got questions about licensing schemes in Lewisham? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what HMO licensing schemes are active in Lewisham 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 Lewisham?
Mandatory licensing in Lewisham
Mandatory licensing is required for all HMO properties across the UK with five or more occupants forming two or more households. This includes:
- 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 licence in Lewisham?
There is currently one additional licensing scheme in Lewisham running. The additional scheme covers all wards in Lewisham. An additional licensing scheme requires all privately rented properties with three or more people from two different households to apply for a licence.
The scheme runs from 05/04/22 to 04/04/27 and does not apply to section 257 HMOs.
Lewisham selective licensing - Do I need a selective licence in Lewisham?
As of 1 July 2024, a selective licensing scheme in Lewisham will be in place covering a large area of the borough. A selective licensing scheme requires that all private properties within the scheme boundaries apply for a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
The current Lewisham selective licensing scheme launching on 1 July 2024 has three different designations covering the following areas:
- Designation one: Brockley, Catford South, Lewisham Central, New Cross, Perry Vale, Rushey Green.
- Designation two: Crofton Park, Evelyn, Ladywell, Lee Green, Sydenham.
- Designation three: Bellingham, Downham, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Whitefoot.
All privately rented properties in these wards will need a licence.
How do I apply for a licence?
Lewisham Council has an online application process accessible here via the Lewisham council website. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Lewisham. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a property licence in Lewisham cost?
- Lewisham Selective Licensing Fee: £640
- Additional and Mandatory Licence Fees: £500 per lettable unit, with extra charges on application for very large HMOs (15+ lettable units).
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of July 2025.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Lewisham?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution for landlords in Lewisham and letting agents by Lewisham Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a Lewisham property licensing check here. Our checker will let you know if your property falls within a licensing area, and what steps to take next. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Lewisham council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As outlined above, a new selective licensing scheme started on 1 July 2024 covering a significant proportion of the borough. Check if your property is complaint with the new scheme through our Lewisham property licence checker.
What standards does my property need to meet to get a licence in Lewisham?
Kitchens must be within two floors of any bedroom unless they include a dining area, and need to be hygienic, well-lit, ventilated, and properly equipped. Shared facilities are required based on the number of occupants, including sinks, cookers, electrical sockets, worktops, storage, and refrigerators. Bathrooms and toilets must be enclosed, within two floors of any bedroom, and properly heated, lighted, ventilated, and supplied with continuous hot and cold water. Heating must maintain a minimum temperature of 21°C and be efficient, safe, and controllable by the occupant.
Fire safety requires a Fire Risk Assessment, with regular maintenance of electrical and gas systems. Room sizes have minimum dimensions for bedsits and shared accommodations to ensure adequate living space. Landlords must proof properties against pests and address infestations promptly. Compliance is enforced through inspections, and non-compliance can lead to fines or legal action
What is the inspection process for a licensed property in Lewisham?
If you’re scheme falls within the selective licensing area, you will require a licence, and it’s likely you will have an inspection take place on your property.
When inspecting properties in the London Borough of Lewisham, 24 hours’ notice is usually given before entry. However, immediate entry without notice can occur if there’s suspicion of an offence under sections 72 or 95 of the Housing Act 2004. These sections cover operating unlicensed HMOs and non-compliance with licence conditions.
Inspections ensure compliance with Lewisham’s HMO standards. These standards include maintaining water supply, drainage, common areas, and safety installations. Managers must keep the property in good repair, ensure proper lighting and ventilation, maintain fire safety measures, and manage refuse disposal.
The manager’s details must be displayed in the property, and they must inform the council about occupancy details. Residents must cooperate by providing access, following fire safety and waste disposal arrangements, and avoiding property damage.
About Lewisham
Lewisham is an inner borough of London, England, historically part of Kent, with a small area in the northwest historically belonging to Surrey. Established in 1965 by amalgamating the metropolitan boroughs of Lewisham and Deptford, it borders Southwark, Greenwich, and Bromley, and has a section of River Thames riverfront at Deptford.
Lewisham encompasses historic villages and areas such as Deptford, New Cross, Blackheath, Brockley, Lewisham, Lee, Ladywell, Rushey Green, Forest Hill, Hither Green, Catford, Grove Park, Upper Sydenham, Bellingham, Southend, and Sydenham.
Public spaces in Lewisham feature the grounds of the Horniman Museum, Beckenham Place Park, Black Heath, Ladywell Fields, and Deptford Park. The borough hosts light industries and electrical engineering firms, particularly along the River Ravensbourne. The borough covers 14 square miles (35 square km) with populations of 248,922 in 2001 and 275,885 in 2011.
