Southwark Rental Licensing: Selective, HMO and What to Do
Check if your Southwark rental property needs a selective or HMO licence. Covers active licensing schemes, fees, and how to check your property.
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Rental Property Licensing in Southwark
Southwark is one of London's most active boroughs when it comes to private rental licensing. With a large and diverse private rented sector spanning areas like Peckham, Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle, and Borough, Southwark Council operates selective licensing in multiple designation areas and additional HMO licensing across the borough.
Selective Licensing in Southwark
Southwark Council operates two selective licensing designation areas covering the following wards:
Designation Area 1: Champion Hill, Faraday, Newington, Old Kent Road, North Walworth, Nunhead, Peckham, Camberwell Green, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Wood
Designation Area 2: London Bridge, South Bermondsey, Surrey Docks, and additional wards
All privately rented properties in these wards require a selective licence. Use the Tuxa property licence checker to check your exact Southwark address.
Additional HMO Licensing in Southwark
Southwark Council operates additional HMO licensing for properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households across the borough.
Enforcement in Southwark
Southwark Council has been active in enforcing property licensing requirements. Landlords who fail to obtain the correct licence face civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property (rising to £40,000 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025), criminal prosecution, and Rent Repayment Orders.
Official Resources
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This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Related Guides
Quick facts
- Typical licence fee
- Additional licensing: £1,433; Selective licensing: £945
- Apply for a licence
- Council application portal
Frequently asked questions
Licensing data sourced from individual council websites and the MHCLG licensing register. Last verified: . Always confirm current scheme status with the council directly before making licensing decisions.
Licensing guides
Does my rental property need a licence?
Find out whether your property needs a selective, additional or HMO licence.
What is selective licensing?
How selective licensing works, which councils operate schemes, and who needs a licence.
What is HMO licensing?
Mandatory HMO licensing explained: who it applies to and how to apply.
Related articles
HMO Room Size Requirements: The 6.51 Square Metre Rule Explained
HMO licences require minimum room sizes: at least 6.51 square metres for a single adult. This guide explains the rules, how to measure correctly, and what happens if a room is too small.
How to Apply for a Selective Licence: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to applying for a selective licence, including what documents you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what happens if your application is refused.
Renters' Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Property Licensing
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant reform to the private rented sector since the Housing Act 2004. This guide explains what changed for property licensing, penalties, and landlord obligations.
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