Tell us if you live in a house of multiple occupation (HMO)
Due to an IT issue, our housing complaints email address isn't working. We're expecting to have it back up and running by the end of the week.
If you need to raise a housing complaint in the meantime, please use our housing complaints form.
Rent and service charge balancesIf you have made a payment since Saturday 6 December it may not show up correctly on your account on the Portal or the balance check by text.
Please bear with us while we fix this technical issue, and contact us by email if you need an accurate statement of your account:
- Rent: lh-rent@lewisham.gov.uk
- Temporary accommodation rent: TAincome@lewisham.gov.uk
- Service charges: hos@lewisham.gov.uk
We want to ensure that people living in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are living in safe and decent conditions. You may live in an HMO if you share a house or flat with people who aren't part of your family and you share basic facilities like a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
If you share your home with at least two other people, your landlord must have a licence. Properties with five or more residents, or homes located above or below commercial premises, must also be licensed by law.
Licensable HMOs must meet our licensing standards, follow the HMO Management Regulations, and be kept safe and well maintained. If your landlord doesn't have a licence or isn't keeping your home safe, please let us know by calling 0208 314 6420 or emailing pshe@lewisham.gov.uk.
Most rented properties—not just shared homes—also need a licence. You can check whether your home needs one by using our interactive map.
If your home is not licensed but should be, you may be entitled to a Rent Repayment Order. This is a legal mechanism that allows a Tribunal to order your landlord to repay you up to 12 months' rent. You can make this claim yourself. This guide from Shelter explains what to do.
You can find legal support using this searchable database. There are also private organisations that can help you with your claim—they may cover Tribunal fees and take a percentage of any money awarded if your claim succeeds. For further guidance, search online for 'Help with Rent Repayment Orders' to access websites, contact details, and more information.