Lambeth Landlord Licensing 2025 – What You Must Do Before 1 September
From 1 September 2025, most private landlords across Lambeth must hold a licence – or risk £30,000 fines. This guide outlines what’s changing and what you need to do now.
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Landlords in Phase 1 and Phase 2 wards are affected.
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Phase 1 enforcement began 2 September 2024
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Phase 2 enforcement begins 1 September 2025 - early applications open 1 August 2025
Affected Areas
Phase 1 Wards (active since 2 Sept 2024):
Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, Streatham St. Leonard’s
Phase 2 Wards (from 1 Sept 2025):
Brixton Acre Lane, Brixton North, Brixton Rush Common, Brixton Windrush, Clapham Common & Abbeville, Clapham East, Clapham Park, Clapham Town, Gipsy Hill, Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction, Kennington, Myatt’s Field, Oval, St. Martin’s, Stockwell East, Stockwell West & Larkhall, Streatham Hill West & Thornton, Streatham Wells, West Dulwich
Only Vauxhall and Waterloo & South Bank wards are exempt.
(Source: Lambeth Council)
At a Glance: What’s Coming
📅 Date | 📋 Change | 🔍 What Landlords Need to Know |
2 September 2024 | Phase 1 Enforcement Begins | Licensing mandatory in four Phase 1 wards |
1 August 2025 | Phase 2 Applications Open | Early application window opens for 19 new wards |
1 September 2025 | Phase 2 Enforcement Begins | Most of Lambeth requires licences – enforcement from this date |
Late 2025 | Backlogs Expected | Apply early to avoid penalties during delays |
9 Dec 2021 – 8 Dec 2026 | Additional HMO Licensing Active | Borough-wide scheme for HMOs with 3+ sharers |
Ongoing | Mandatory HMO Licensing | Required for HMOs with 5+ people under national law |
National | EPC / MEES Rules Apply | Properties with EPC below E risk fines and action |
What Lambeth Landlords Need to Know
Lambeth’s Selective Licensing scheme is rolling out in two phases:
- Phase 1, live since 2 September 2024, affects four wards.
- Phase 2, starting 1 September 2025, expands to 19 additional wards.
- Early applications for Phase 2 open 1 August 2025.
Selective licensing applies to non-HMO private lets including:
- Single households
- Couples or families
- Up to two sharers
Licence Fee: £923 per property, paid in two parts. Discounts apply for accredited landlords and EPC A–C ratings. (Lambeth Council)
Additional HMO Licensing applies across the borough for smaller HMOs (3+ sharers) and runs until 8 December 2026.
Mandatory HMO Licensing continues for HMOs with 5+ sharers.
Enforcement & Penalties
Failing to license on time can lead to:
- 💷 Civil penalties up to £30,000
- 📉 Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months’ rent)
- ⚖️ Prosecution and criminal charges
- ❌ Inability to serve a Section 21 eviction
- 🛑 Banning orders for rogue landlords
(Source: Lambeth Council)
“We didn’t realise our Streatham property fell into Phase 1 – but luckily we applied early with help.”
– Private landlord, SW16
How to Stay Compliant
✔ For Phase 2, apply from 1 August 2025
✔ Gather required documents: EPC, gas certificate, electrical safety, tenancy agreement, fire precautions
✔ Confirm whether you need a Selective, Additional, or Mandatory HMO licence
✔ Keep proof of submission in case of processing delays
FAQs
Which properties need a Selective Licence?
→ Any private rental in Phase 1 or 2 wards that isn’t already licensed as an HMO.
What if I apply late?
→ You may still face enforcement, even if your application is pending.
Can I apply before 1 August 2025 for Phase 2?
→ No — the council only accepts applications from 1 August 2025.
Don’t Wait – Take Action Now
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.
