New licensing scheme to support private renters and improve quality of housing in Lewisham

The new scheme will require all HMOs to meet set standards for room sizes, health and safety, and property management, ensuring safe, secure and well-managed properties for tenants. Landlords will also be required to have clear plans in place to tackle any anti-social behaviour related to their properties.

With one in four Lewisham residents living in the private rented sector, extending HMO licensing is a key part of the Council’s commitment to supporting private renters and ensuring there are more safe and secure homes in the borough.

The new scheme will apply to landlords of all eligible HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme. Landlords will be provided with clear information about their obligations under the scheme and guidance on how to ensure their property is compliant.

Every HMO will be inspected and assessed as part of the licensing process and all properties will be inspected at least once during the five-year licence period in order to ensure compliance.

The new scheme will come into effect on 5 April 2022. In order to encourage uptake, landlords who apply for a licence before this date will be eligible for an ‘early bird’ discount.

Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said:

“Private renters are often faced with unsafe or insecure accommodation - particularly those living in HMOs. Licensing all HMOs will help improve the quality of housing across Lewisham and provide more certainty for tenants and landlords.

“As well as enabling us to work more closely with responsible landlords in the borough, the new scheme will help crack down on those who neglect their properties and fail to provide tenants with the safety and security they deserve.”

Find out more about the new additional licensing scheme for HMOs.