Do I need an HMO licence in Bexley?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Bexley runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Bexley?

Bexley currently has one scheme on our register: Bexley Selective Licensing — Belvedere Ward (from 13 January 2025 (5 years)). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Bexley?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Bexley's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Bexley?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Bexley can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Bexley?

HMO licence applications in Bexley are handled by London Borough of Bexley. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Bexley HMO licensing guide

Bexley HMO licence — do you need one?

Bexley has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Which licence do you need in Bexley?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedNot in force in Bexley
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Bexley · See selective licensing in Bexley

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Bexley announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 13 January 2025 (5 years)

Bexley Selective Licensing — Belvedere Ward

Selective licensing covering the Belvedere ward only. Fee £800 per property (£50 discount for accredited landlords/agents).

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Bexley-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Bexley — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Bexley?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Bexley runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Bexley?: Bexley currently has one scheme on our register: Bexley Selective Licensing — Belvedere Ward (from 13 January 2025 (5 years)). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Bexley?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Bexley's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Bexley?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Bexley can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Bexley?: HMO licence applications in Bexley are handled by London Borough of Bexley. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Bexley HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's tenant reference form — free, no account needed — then run an optional credit check from £9 per tenant. Pay per check, no subscription.

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Bexley with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Bexley schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Bexley before letting or applying for a licence.