If you’re a landlord juggling multiple properties across the capital, now’s the time to act. This quick, practical guide breaks down everything you need to know about selective licensing schemes in London boroughs, from compliance basics to borough-specific rules. Stay ahead of the regulators, protect your portfolio, and avoid the Chancellor’s costly oversight.

In a bombshell revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the UK’s property market, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted to renting out her £1.2 million Southwark home without the required selective licence – a “mistake” that’s now under intense scrutiny just weeks before the Autumn Budget.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15251805/Estate-agent-licence-Reeves-rent-family-home.html

As tenants eye rent repayment orders worth up to £41,000 and councils ramp up enforcement, this scandal isn’t just embarrassing for No. 11; it’s a stark warning for every landlord in London. With 60% of boroughs now enforcing selective licensing schemes as of November 2025, non-compliance could cost you thousands in fines or lost income.
https://www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/selective-licensing/

If you’re a landlord juggling multiple properties across the capital, now’s the time to act. This quick, practical guide breaks down everything you need to know about selective licensing schemes in London boroughs, from compliance basics to borough-specific rules. Stay ahead of the regulators, protect your portfolio, and avoid the Chancellor’s costly oversight.

This quick, practical guide breaks down everything you need to know. Whether you’re searching for “Renters’ Rights Act 2025 landlord guide” or “England tenant protections 2025,” we’ve got you covered.

Stay ahead of the regulators, protect your portfolio, and turn these changes into your advantage.

Let’s dive in…

What is Selective Licensing? A Crash Court for Landlords

Failing to comply?
Expect civil penalties up to £30,000 per unlicensed property, unlimited criminal fines, or rent repayment orders forcing you to refund tenants up to 12 months’ rent.
https://landlordadvice.co.uk/landlord-licensing-2025-whats-changing-in-england/

Post-Reeves, enforcement is heating up – councils issued over £450,000 in fines in one city alone this year. Shout out to Birmingham City!
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/1623/450k_in_fines_issued_as_birmingham_city_council_cracks_down_on_unlicensed_rental_properties

The Reeves Scandal: Why London Landlords Can’t Afford to Blink
Reeves’ Dulwich property fell afoul of Southwark’s scheme, which mandates licences for all private rentals since 2018. Despite warnings from estate agents, the Chancellor overlooked it – a “human error” that’s sparked Tory calls for investigation and a predicted flood of tenant claims nationwide.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/landlords-face-flood-licensing-complaints-162852051.html

Labour’s standards advisor deemed it an “honest mistake,” but for landlords, it’s a reminder: even high-profile figures get caught. With the Renters’ Rights Bill looming in 2025, expect tighter rules and digital reporting – making compliance non-negotiable.

https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/comment-rachel-reeves-selective-licensing-debacle

The upside?
This spotlight could push for fairer enforcement, but proactive landlords win. Use this moment to audit your properties and safeguard against surprises.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Selective Licence in London
Applying is straightforward but borough-specific. Here’s your 5-step action plan – aim to complete it in under an hour online:

1. Check Coverage
   Use the interactive map on London.gov.uk or your local council’s postcode checker to confirm if your property is in a scheme.
2. Gather Documents
   Prepare your ID, proof of ownership/lease, gas safety certificate (valid within 12 months), EPC (minimum E rating), and tenancy details. For HMOs, add floor plans.
3. Submit Application
   Head to your borough’s portal (e.g., via Gov.uk or council site). Fill in property/landlord info – most are digital now.
4. Pay the Fee
   Expect £500–£700 for new applications; pay online. Multi-property discounts? Ask!
5. Await Approval
   Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Conditions may include regular inspections or anti-social behaviour policies. Renew three (3) months before expiry to avoid gaps.

Pro tip:
Join a landlord accreditation scheme (e.g., via the National Residential Landlords Association) for fee reductions and proof of good practice – https://www.nrla.org.uk

Borough Spotlight: Selective Licensing at a Glance (Key London Areas, November 2025)
With 21 of 33 boroughs now live (and more coming), here’s a curated snapshot of major schemes. Always verify on your council’s site for updates – schemes evolve fast.

We’ve focused on high-impact areas for quick reference:

Borough	Areas/Wards Covered	Start Date	Apply Fee	Renewal Fee	Key Notes
Southwark (Reeves’ borough)	Borough-wide	2018 (ongoing)	£680	£480	High enforcement post-scandal; covers all private rentals. Contact: [email protected]
Westminster	8 wards (e.g., Abbey Road, Knightsbridge)	Oct 2025	£850	£550	London’s priciest; targets poor housing zones. Apply via westminster.gov.uk
Lambeth	Borough-wide	2019 (renewed)	£700	£500	Mandatory for all; focus on safety standards. lambeth.gov.uk
Barking & Dagenham	Borough-wide	Apr 2025	£600	£400	Applications opened Mar 2025; single-household focus.  https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/private-sector-housing/property-licensing
Wandsworth	Select wards (e.g., Nine Elms)	Jul 2025	£650	£450	New scheme for fairer sector; wandsworth.gov.uk
Hammersmith & Fulham	24 specified streets	Ongoing	£550	£350	Targeted hotspots; check street list on lbhf.gov.uk
Bexley	Belvedere Ward	Jan 2025	£500	£300	5-year scheme; applications from Nov 2024. bexley.gov.uk
Lewisham	Borough-wide (proposed expansion)	Jun 2025	£620	£420	Nearly all properties; lewisham.gov.uk

Note: Fees approximate and subject to change; always confirm locally.

For a full map, visit the Interactive Map – Use Your Postcode
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/housing-and-land/renting-home/check-if-your-rented-property-needs-property-licence