Landlord Licensing in London: Does Your Property Need a Licence?
Selective licensing is expanding rapidly across London, and the penalties for getting it wrong have never been higher. This guide explains which properties need a licence, what non-compliance now costs, and how The London Landlord takes licensing off your plate entirely.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
What is landlord licensing?
Landlord licensing is a legal requirement, set borough by borough, for private landlords to hold a licence to let out a property. There are three types: mandatory HMO licensing, additional licensing, and selective licensing, which can apply to ordinary single-family rentals.
Selective licensing is the type most landlords miss, because it applies to standard buy-to-let properties, not just HMOs.
Does my London property need a licence?
If your property is in a borough with an active selective licensing scheme, it almost certainly needs a licence. Schemes currently operate across boroughs including Newham, Waltham Forest, Haringey, Southwark, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering and Wandsworth, and more schemes are launching throughout 2026.
The quickest way to check is your local council’s website. Search for “selective licensing” and your borough name. Rules differ street by street in some boroughs, so check the exact address, not just the borough.
What happens if I let a property without a licence?
Letting an unlicensed property is a criminal offence. The maximum civil penalty is £40,000 per offence, and on conviction in a magistrates’ court the fine is unlimited.
Non-compliant landlords are also exposed to rent repayment orders, under which a tribunal can order up to two years of rent to be repaid to the tenant. Enforcement has tightened since the Renters Rights Act came into force.
Most landlords who fall foul of licensing are not deliberately cutting corners. They either do not know their property sits in a licensing area, or they know and have not got round to applying. Neither is a defence.
How do I apply for a landlord licence in London?
Applications are made directly to your borough council, with a fee that varies by borough and a set of conditions covering safety certificates, property standards and management arrangements. Processing can take several months, but you are usually protected once a valid application is submitted.
We help landlords with licensing applications across London boroughs. We know the requirements and we know the councils, because we have operated in these areas for over 20 years.
How does guaranteed rent remove licensing from your plate?
Under our guaranteed rent model, The London Landlord becomes your tenant and compliance becomes our responsibility, not yours. We handle maintenance, safety certificates and tenant management for the full term of your contract. Licensing can be handled for an additional fee, or potentially included for bigger portfolios.
You receive a fixed payment on the same date every month, and you never have to think about licensing again. Find out what your property could earn, or read our guide to landlord licensing changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landlord licence cost in London?
Fees vary by borough, typically several hundred pounds per property for a five-year licence. Check your borough council’s website for the exact fee.
What is the fine for not having a landlord licence?
The maximum civil penalty is £40,000 per offence. On conviction in court, the fine is unlimited, and tenants can claim back up to two years of rent through a rent repayment order.
Does my buy-to-let need a licence if it is not an HMO?
Possibly. Selective licensing applies to ordinary single-family rentals in designated areas, not just HMOs. Check your borough’s scheme against your exact address.
Can The London Landlord handle licensing for me?
Yes. We assist with licensing applications, and under our guaranteed rent model licensing compliance becomes our responsibility entirely.
Not sure where you stand?
We will tell you what your property needs and what it could earn. Book a free no-obligation valuation.