London Borough of Southwark
Southwark HMO licensing: what applies and what to submit
Southwark is covered by additional and ward-based selective licensing. We supply the certificates Southwark’s licensing team typically asks to see — gas, electrical, fire safety and energy — with each required inspection scoped separately and the report schedule confirmed before booking.
Serving landlords, agents and property managers across Peckham, Camberwell, Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle and the rest of Southwark.
Which licence applies
Licensing schemes in Southwark
| Licence | Applies to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence | 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities | National rule; applies in Southwark and does not expire. |
| Additional HMO licence | HMOs outside the mandatory scheme | Southwark’s additional and selective schemes took effect on 1 March 2022, so check whether a renewed scheme applies before you apply. |
| Selective licence | Privately rented homes in designated wards | Selective licensing applies in designated wards only. |
A property needs only one licence. The council decides which applies from the number of occupants and your location, but the fee is taken before the assessment, so check first. Send us your postcode and the number of people living there and we will tell you which one it is.
The application
Documents Southwark typically asks to see
Most London councils ask for the same core documents. Southwark may ask for more or fewer depending on the licence type, so check its current application form. We cover every item below from one appointment, so tenants are disturbed once.
| Document | What it must show |
|---|---|
| Floor plan | Every floor level, room uses and room sizes in square metres |
| EICR | Electrical Installation Condition Report covering every circuit and consumer unit |
| Gas Safety (CP12) | Current certificate where the property has a gas supply |
| Fire alarm test certificate | Current test certificate for the installed detection system |
| Emergency lighting certificate | Where emergency lighting is fitted |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Written assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| EPC | Whole-building energy performance certificate |
Pricing
Certificate packs for Southwark HMOs
| Pack | Includes | From (up to 4 lettable rooms) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Essentials | Gas Safety (CP12), EICR, EPC | £395 |
| Full Licence Pack | Essentials plus Fire Risk Assessment, Legionella and PAT testing | £795 |
| Complete Pack | Everything above plus an asbestos management survey of common parts | £995 |
Prices are confirmed in writing before any visit is booked. Larger Southwark properties are quoted on room count. Managing 3 or more properties? Ask about portfolio pricing.
Areas we cover
Where we work in Southwark
We attend properties across Peckham, Camberwell, Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle, Dulwich, Rotherhithe and the surrounding streets. Typical postcodes include SE1, SE5, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE22.
Questions
Southwark HMO licensing FAQs
Do I need an HMO licence in Southwark?
If 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, yes — a mandatory licence applies in every English borough. Smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 people may also need an additional licence in Southwark.
Which certificates should I get first?
The gas safety certificate and EICR are the most commonly requested and the most likely to hold up an application if missing or out of date. We can supply all seven documents from one visit.
How long does it take?
We confirm a fixed quote and the earliest visit the same day, and reports are usually emailed within 24 hours of the visit, formatted to attach to Southwark’s application.
Do you submit the application for me?
No. We supply the documents; the licence application is made by the licence holder or their agent.
What happens if I do not licence?
Unlicensed HMOs can face civil penalties of up to £40,000 and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent for offences committed from 1 May 2026, plus possible prosecution.
Reviewed 2 October 2026 against public council information. Licensing schemes and fees change — confirm current requirements with Southwark Council (southwark.gov.uk) before applying.
Request a quote
Tell us about the property
A few details and we’ll come back with a fixed quote and the earliest slot, usually the same day.