New landlord licensing scheme being launched in Lewisham

Monday, June 3rd, 2024 - London Borough of Lewisham

From 1 July 2024, most privately rented properties in Lewisham will need a property licence. 

With 1 in 4 households in Lewisham renting privately, the new selective licensing scheme will help the Council ensure landlords are providing safe and decent quality homes and fair treatment for renters.

The new scheme will cover an estimated 20,000 properties that are rented to single families or two unrelated sharers. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) already need licensing under the mandatory HMO and additional licensing schemes that operate borough wide. 

An extensive public consultation with landlords, tenants and other residents was carried out prior to the designation of the scheme, and plans for the selective licensing scheme were approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in November 2023. 

To obtain a licence, the private landlord or letting agent must complete an online application form and pay a licence application fee. 

Landlords who fail to fulfil their statutory responsibilities, such as carrying out repairs in a timely fashion, will be subject to enforcement action. The Council will work closely with landlords and tenants in the borough to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and rights under the scheme. 

Selective licensing is only introduced in areas where the council can evidence that it is necessary, hence its absence in specific wards like Telegraph Hill and a small area of Blackheath.

Applications received within the first three months will be eligible for a 20% early bird discount.

• find out if your property needs a licence, read frequently asked questions and apply now for a selective licence

Councillor Will Cooper, Lewisham’s Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said:

“Selective licensing will ensure Lewisham’s privately rented housing is of a higher standard and comes with better security for renters, who make up a quarter of residents in our borough. 

“Everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home, and this scheme will support the Council to take meaningful action against landlords who fail to fulfil their responsibilities. 

“20,000 additional properties in Lewisham will now be subject to improved standards and reduced antisocial behaviour, making Lewisham a fairer and more enjoyable place to live.” 

London Property Licensing has published guidance about the new licensing scheme including how to apply and what it will cost, available here.

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

For all the latest news and events, you can sign up for the free London Property Licensing newsletter here.