Bexley Council’s selective licensing scheme has ended

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 - London Borough of Bexley

A selective licensing scheme covering Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood / Lower Belvedere and parts of Erith in the London Borough of Bexley has ended after almost five years.

The scheme came into force on 1 October 2018 and extended licensing to all private rented properties within the designated area. The scheme ended on 31 August 2023. 

Whilst the council’s public register listed 1,786 selectively licensed properties in April 2022, it is unclear how many licences had been issued by the time the scheme ended. The council had previously estimated that 2,450 properties would need to be licensed under the scheme.

To date, there is no indication whether the council intends to implement a replacement scheme. An update published on the council’s website explains the scheme has ended, all selective licences have expired and licence conditions are no longer valid. It says the council is reviewing the data before deciding whether to designate a new scheme.

Even if the council decide to implement a replacement scheme, the timescale for the consultation and implementation process means any new scheme cannot start before Spring 2024.

Bexley Council still operate mandatory HMO licensing but no additional licensing scheme.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Bexley is available here.

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