Lambeth HMO licensing guide

Lambeth HMO licence — do you 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. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 1 April 2026 (fee update)

Selective Licensing Scheme — Phase 2 Fee Update (from 1 April 2026)

Lambeth's multi-phase selective licensing scheme (Phase 1 and Phase 2 covering all wards except Vauxhall and Waterloo & South Bank) updated its licence fees from 1 April 2026, with the fee per licence now set at £1,025 (split into Part A £717.50 and Part B £307.50).

Read the original announcement →

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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HMO licensing in Lambeth — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Lambeth?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Lambeth 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 Lambeth?
Lambeth currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme — Phase 2 Fee Update (from 1 April 2026) (from 1 April 2026 (fee update)). 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 Lambeth?
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. Lambeth's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Lambeth?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Lambeth can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Lambeth?
HMO licence applications in Lambeth are handled by Lambeth Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Lambeth with other areas we track.

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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 Lambeth Council before letting or applying for a licence.