SelectiveEffective: March 2026
Sutton Borough-Wide Selective Licensing
Borough-wide selective licensing scheme launching 22 March 2026, estimated 690 properties needing licensing.
Read the original announcement → Sutton HMO licensing guide
Sutton HMO licence — do you need one?
Sutton 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 Sutton?
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 Sutton
- Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Sutton · See selective licensing in Sutton
Active and upcoming schemes
Sourced from Sutton announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)
Regardless of any Sutton-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.
HMO licensing in Sutton — FAQ
- Do I need an HMO licence in Sutton?
- Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Sutton 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 Sutton?
- Sutton currently has one scheme on our register: Sutton Borough-Wide Selective Licensing (from March 2026). 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 Sutton?
- 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. Sutton's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
- What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Sutton?
- Letting an unlicensed HMO in Sutton 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 Sutton?
- HMO licence applications in Sutton are handled by Sutton Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.
Referencing tenants for your Sutton 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.
HMO licensing in other councils
Compare Sutton with other areas we track.
Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Sutton schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Sutton Council before letting or applying for a licence.