Additional HMOEffective: 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027
Southwark Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing
Borough-wide additional licensing covering all HMOs with 3+ occupants from 2+ households.
Read the original announcement → Southwark HMO licensing guide
HMO licence in Southwark — do I need one?
Southwark 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 Southwark announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
SelectiveEffective: 1 March 2022 / 1 November 2023 to 28 February 2027
Southwark Selective Licensing — 19 wards
Selective licensing covering 19 wards: Newington, Champion Hill, Faraday, St Giles, Goose Green, North Walworth, Nunhead & Queens Road, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Camberwell Green, Chaucer, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Wood, London Bridge & West Bermondsey, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey and Surrey Docks.
Read the original announcement →National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)
Regardless of any Southwark-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 Southwark 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 Southwark before letting or applying for a licence.