SelectiveEffective: July 2025
Selective Licensing Scheme - Borough-Wide Expansion
Expansion of selective licensing to 19 additional wards covering Clapham, Brixton, Streatham and Kennington areas, from July 2025
Read the original announcement → Lambeth HMO licensing guide
HMO licence in Lambeth — do I need one?
Lambeth 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.
Active and upcoming schemes
Sourced from Lambeth announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)
Regardless of any Lambeth-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 £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Lambeth 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 Lambeth before letting or applying for a licence.