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Property Licensing Guide for Southwark
Southwark currently operates selective licensing 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?
Southwark Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Southwark? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Southwark 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 Southwark property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Southwark property →What are the licensing requirements for Southwark?
Mandatory licensing in Southwark
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Southwark (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 Southwark?
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.
Southwark operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Southwark?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Southwark operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027 — borough-wide (all 23 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027 — covering Faraday, Goose Green and St Giles.
Selective licensing: 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027 — covering Champion Hill and Newington.
Selective licensing: 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028 — covering Camberwell Green, Chaucer, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Wood, London Bridge & West Bermondsey, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey and Surrey Docks.
Selective licensing: 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028 — covering North Walworth, Nunhead & Queen’s Road, Old Kent Road and Peckham.
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 Southwark 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 | £945 (Part A £661.50, Part B £283.50). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,365.10 (Part A £969.20, Part B £395.90). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | £1,575 for the first five lettings (Part A £1,102.50, Part B £472.50), plus £105 per additional letting. Fees rise on 1 April 2026. |
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Southwark Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Southwark operate?
Southwark operates selective and additional licensing (1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Southwark 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 Southwark, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Southwark property licence?
You can apply through Southwark 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 Southwark introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Southwark 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 Southwark?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Southwark
Southwark is an inner borough of London, located south of the River Thames and opposite the central City of London. It encompasses historic areas and villages like Rotherhithe, Bermondsey, and Camberwell. Formed in 1965 from the amalgamation of Bermondsey, Camberwell, and Southwark boroughs, it mostly belongs to historic Surrey, with a small eastern section in Kent. Known as The Borough, Southwark was a market town and a mediaeval refuge for outlaws. From the 15th century, it gained fame for inns, theatres like the Globe, and Dickensian associations. Notable landmarks include Dulwich College, Tate Modern, and the Shard. Southwark covers an area of 11 square miles (29 square km) and had a population of 244,866 in 2001, which increased to 288,283 by 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Southwark
Southwark 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:
