If you’re a landlord in Lambeth, big changes are coming that you can’t afford to ignore.
From 24 September 2025, Lambeth Council is launching a Selective Licensing Scheme that requires most landlords in specific areas to get a license before renting out properties. This is a major shift in how the council regulates private rented homes, and failure to comply could lead to heavy fines and legal action.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing, who’s affected, and what you must do to stay on the right side of the law.
What is the Selective Licensing Scheme?
Selective licensing is a mandatory scheme introduced by Lambeth Council to ensure that private rented properties meet required standards of health, safety, and management.
This is part of a wider push to improve housing quality and crack down on rogue landlords who let out poorly maintained or unsafe properties.
Who Needs a Licence?
All private landlords renting out homes in the designated areas will need to apply for a licence — whether you rent to families, students, or professionals.
If your property is within one of the targeted wards (including specific parts of Streatham, Norwood, and Brixton), you will need a licence for every single rented property.
Important: This is in addition to any existing House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences you may already hold.
Why Is Lambeth Introducing This Scheme?
- To crack down on poor housing conditions
- To protect tenants from unsafe and badly managed homes
- To tackle anti-social behaviour linked to poorly managed properties
- To ensure fairer rental markets for everyone — tenants and good landlords alike
What Are the Penalties for Not Licensing?
Renting out a property without a licence could lead to unlimited fines, Rent Repayment Orders (RROs), banning orders, and criminal prosecution.
In short, if you don’t comply, you risk losing thousands of pounds — or even your ability to operate as a landlord.
How Much Does a Licence Cost?
- £923 per property, broken into two parts:
- £650 payable when you apply
- £273 payable when your application is approved
Discounts are available:
- £75 discount for landlords accredited with schemes such as LLAS, NRLA, ARLA, UKALA, RICS, and Safeagent
- £50 discount for properties with an EPC rating of C or above
Make sure you have documentation ready to claim these discounts.
Which Areas Are Affected?
Currently, the scheme applies to four wards:
- Knights Hill
- Streatham Hill East
- Streatham Common & Vale
- Streatham St. Leonard’s
More areas may be added in the future, so even if you’re outside these zones now, stay updated.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check if your property is in a designated zone
- Gather necessary compliance documents (e.g., gas safety, electrical safety, EPC, tenancy agreements)
- Apply for your license before the 24 September 2025 deadline
- Review your property management practices to ensure they meet required standards
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Protected
Lambeth’s new licensing scheme is a serious shift for landlords. Whether you own one property or a portfolio, taking action now will help you avoid costly mistakes later.
If you’re unsure about how these changes affect you, or if you need help getting your paperwork and compliance in order, we’re here to help. From advice on applications to full compliance checks, our team can make the process easier and faster.
Contact us today for a no-obligation chat about how we can support you.
