Lewisham Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Lewisham
Lewisham currently operates selective licensing in 18 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?
Lewisham Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Lewisham? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary 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.
Not sure whether a Lewisham property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Lewisham property →What are the licensing requirements for Lewisham?
Mandatory licensing in Lewisham
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Lewisham (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 Lewisham?
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.
Lewisham operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Lewisham?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Lewisham operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 5 April 2022 to 4 April 2027 — borough-wide (all 19 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2029 — covering Bellingham, Blackheath, Brockley, Catford South, Crofton Park, Deptford, Downham, Evelyn, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Hither Green, Ladywell, Lee Green, Lewisham Central, New Cross Gate, Perry Vale, Rushey Green and Sydenham.
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 Lewisham Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Selective licence fee: £640 (£160 on application, £480 on grant).
Additional & mandatory HMO licence fees: see the council’s property licensing pages.
Early-application, accreditation and charity discounts apply.
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Lewisham Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Lewisham operate?
Lewisham operates selective and additional licensing (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Lewisham 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 Lewisham, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Lewisham property licence?
You can apply through Lewisham 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 Lewisham introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Lewisham 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 Lewisham?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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.
Licensing Enforcement in Lewisham
Lewisham 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:
