HMO licensing in Southwark
Verified by a human · 11 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Southwark?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Southwark property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Southwark does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them.
Licensing schemes in force
Mandatory HMO licensing
Applies district-wide to HMOs with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households. National scheme under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2. It has no end date and never lapses.
Additional licensing
No additional scheme currently operates in Southwark. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) do not need a licence. We track consultations, so this page updates if that changes.
Selective licensing
No selective scheme is in force. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in a designated area, not just HMOs.
Council summary: Mandatory licensing (Large HMOs: at least 5 tenants forming more than 1 household who share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities; also section 257 HMOs).
Article 4 direction
An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights for HMO conversion in part or all of Southwark. Converting a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4) needs planning permission inside the direction area. Large HMOs of 7+ occupants are sui generis and always need permission.
“You must apply for planning permission if you want to change a house (class C3) to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for 4 to 6 people (class C4) or from a class C4 back to a class C3. This rule applies to properties in Henshaw Street, SE17. ... You must apply for planning permission if you want to change a house to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for 3 to 6 people in Bywater Place, Surrey Docks, SE16. This is to prevent too many HMOs in one area and to protect its character and amenities.”
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,575 | |
| Renewal | £1,365.1 | |
| Validity | 5 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Southwark HMO
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Start freeRoom sizes and amenity standards
| Standard | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, 1 adult | 6.51 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, 2 adults | 10.22 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, child under 10 | 4.64 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
Local standards are where councils differ most, and they change without notice. Confirm with Southwark council before letting a room.
What you need to apply
- Gas safety certificate (CP12), current
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR), within 5 years
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates
- Floor plan with room sizes marked
- Fit and proper person declaration
- Energy performance certificate (EPC), E or above
What changed
- Page verified against current council sources.
- Renters' Rights Act commencement. Periodic tenancies noted in guidance.
Southwark HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Southwark?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Southwark property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. This is the England-wide mandatory rule under the Housing Act 2004. Southwark does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Southwark?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Southwark costs £1,575, and renewal costs £1,365.1. The licence runs for 5 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Southwark have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
Yes. An Article 4 direction is in force in Southwark (or part of it), which means planning permission is required to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, up to 6 occupants). Check the exact boundary with the planning department, because directions often cover specific wards rather than the whole district.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Southwark?+
National minimums apply: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults, and 4.64m² for a child under 10. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used for sleeping. Southwark may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Southwark?+
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute (unlimited fine) or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. Tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and Section 21 notices are invalid while the property is unlicensed.
Neighbouring councils
Know where your Southwark HMO stands.
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Sources
- Southwark council HMO licensing pages (checked 11 July 2026)
- Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (mandatory licensing framework)
- Licensing of HMOs (Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2018 (room sizes)
HMOJO surfaces licensing information and shows its sources. It is not legal advice and we never certify that a property is compliant. Rules change, so confirm with Southwark council or a qualified professional before acting.