Lewisham HMO licensing guide

Lewisham HMO licence — do you need one?

Lewisham has 2 licensing schemes 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 Lewisham announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 5 April 2022 to 4 April 2027

Lewisham Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

Borough-wide additional licensing covering smaller HMOs (3+ people from 2+ households). Does not apply to Section 257 converted-blocks HMOs.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 1 July 2024 (5 years)

Lewisham Selective Licensing — 16 of 18 wards

Selective licensing covering 16 of Lewisham's 18 wards (excluding only Blackheath and Telegraph Hill). Three designations combined: Brockley, Catford South, Lewisham Central, New Cross, Perry Vale, Rushey Green; Crofton Park, Evelyn, Ladywell, Lee Green, Sydenham; Bellingham, Downham, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Whitefoot.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Lewisham-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 Lewisham — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Lewisham?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Lewisham runs 2 additional or selective schemes 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 Lewisham?
Lewisham currently has 2 schemes on our register: Lewisham Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 5 April 2022 to 4 April 2027); Lewisham Selective Licensing — 16 of 18 wards (from 1 July 2024 (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 Lewisham?
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. Lewisham's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Lewisham?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Lewisham 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 Lewisham?
HMO licence applications in Lewisham are handled by London Borough of Lewisham. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Lewisham with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Lewisham 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 Lewisham before letting or applying for a licence.