From September 1, 2025, Lambeth’s selective licensing scheme will expand to nearly the entire borough — and our analysis shows an 85% risk of landlords breaching the new rules in year one. Here’s what’s changing, why the risk is so high, and how Yuno can keep you compliant end-to-end.
What’s Changing?
Lambeth Council is entering Phase 2 of its selective licensing rollout:
- Phase 1 (Sept 2024) covered Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, Streatham Hill West & Thornton, and Knights Hill wards.
- Phase 2 (Sept 1, 2025) adds 19 more wards across the borough.
- Only Waterloo & South Bank and Vauxhall wards remain outside the scheme.
Any privately rented property occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in these wards will require a selective licence. HMOs are covered by Additional and Mandatory.
- Applications for Phase 2 open: July 2025
- Licence fee: £640 for 5 years (discounts for accredited landlords and early applications)
- Penalties: Up to £30,000 in civil fines, rent repayment orders, or prosecution.
Lambeth Risk & Enforcement Table
Licensing Type | Wards Covered | Start Date | Estimated Risk Level | Key Message | Comparable Enforcement Evidence |
Selective Licensing – Phase 2 Expansion (Poor Housing Conditions) | 19 wards borough-wide (excluding Waterloo & South Bank, Vauxhall) | 1 Sept 2025 | 🔴 85% very high breach likelihood | Over 9,400 PRS homes have Category 1 or 2 hazards. Large scheme area increases complexity; many landlords unaware they’re in scope. | Newham’s citywide scheme saw over 80% of inspected properties in breach in year one (Newham Council). |
Selective Licensing – Phase 1 (Poor Housing Conditions) | Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, Streatham Hill West & Thornton, Knights Hill | 1 Sept 2024 | 🟠 58% medium breach likelihood | One year in, enforcement ramping up in Phase 1 wards. Common issues include missing safety certificates and poor record-keeping. | Brent’s 2018–2023 selective licensing programme reported ~60% breach rate in early inspections (Brent Council report). |
Existing Additional HMO Licensing (Boroughwide) | All wards | Live since Dec 2015 | 🔴 70% high breach likelihood | Longstanding scheme with frequent fire safety and overcrowding breaches. Multiple prosecutions and high fine totals issued annually. | Waltham Forest’s Additional HMO scheme issued over 1,200 fines in 5 years – breach rates above 65% in first-year inspections (Council data). |
Risk percentages are Yuno estimates based on Lambeth housing condition data and enforcement outcomes in comparable boroughs. Figures correct as of August 2025.
Why These Risks Are Real
- Lambeth’s private rented sector is one of the largest in London, with high rates of housing hazards and anti-social behaviour complaints in targeted wards.
- The scale of the expansion means many landlords will not realise their property is now in scope until enforcement begins.
Experience from boroughs like Newham and Brent shows that large-scale schemes typically see 60–85% breach rates in the first year.
What Every Licensing Strategy Should Include
A good licensing approach isn’t reactive, it’s strategic. We help you plan ahead to avoid enforcement notices, fines, and missed rental income. Our support includes:
1. Portfolio Risk Scans
Integrated to CRMs and other tech partners through API. For agents, managers or portfolio landlords, we bulk-scan your property list for licensing or planning issues — and flag risks before they become liabilities.
2. Licensing Checks & Applications
We identify which licences your properties need — and handle the applications for you. No copy-pasting. Everything is tailored, correct, and submitted on your behalf.
3. Planning Review & Assessments
We assess planning constraints too, giving you visibility before you buy, let, or convert. Avoid costly planning breaches.
4. Council Liaison & Evidence Packs
We deal directly with local authorities, submit compliance evidence, and keep you updated with real-time progress.
5. Renewals & Notifications : Never miss a renewal again.
We monitor expiry dates and prompt you before action is needed — integrated into our Yuno platform.
6. Exemptions, Temporary Relief & Support for Appeals
If things go wrong or you inherit a problem, we help you file temporary exemption notices (TENs), gather supporting documentation, and advise on enforcement responses.
