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, Camberwell, and Elephant and Castle, the council has introduced licensing schemes that affect a significant proportion of landlords in the borough.

Selective licensing in Southwark

Southwark Council operates a selective licensing scheme covering privately rented properties not subject to mandatory or additional HMO licensing. The scheme applies to designated areas across the borough and requires landlords of qualifying properties to hold a selective licence.

The selective licensing scheme is intended to improve property management standards, address anti-social behaviour, and ensure that privately rented homes meet required conditions. Landlords who fail to obtain a licence face civil penalties of up to £30,000 or prosecution.

Additional licensing for HMOs in Southwark

Southwark also operates an additional licensing scheme for HMOs occupied by three or more people forming two or more households. This scheme covers properties that fall below the mandatory HMO licensing threshold and applies across designated parts of the borough.

Landlords of shared houses and flats with three or four occupants should check whether their property is within the additional licensing area.

Mandatory HMO licensing

Properties in Southwark occupied by five or more people forming two or more households, sharing facilities, are subject to mandatory HMO licensing. This is a national requirement and applies across the whole borough.

How to apply

Licence applications in Southwark are made through the council's online licensing portal. For current information on designated areas, fees, and conditions, visit the Southwark Council landlord licensing page.