Lambeth Compliance Requirements
Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Lambeth. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.
2Licence Types
15Docs Required
£1,150 - £1,650HMO Fee
Licensing Requirements
Mandatory HMO
Required
Additional HMO
Required
Borough-wide additional licensing for smaller HMOs (3-4 occupants from 2+ households). Active scheme.
Selective Licensing
Not active
Article 4 Direction
Not in place
Check with planning department — some areas may require planning permission for HMO conversion
Exempt Accommodation
Supported accommodation may be exempt from HMO licensing under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257 if not a standard HMO. Council assesses on case-by-case basis. Exemption does not waive property standards.
Property Standards
Minimum Room Sizes
single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants — typically 7 sqm minimum
living room: Required for 5+ occupants if no separate dining area
Fire Safety Requirements
- Smoke alarms on every floor (mains-wired with battery backup)
- Heat detector in kitchen
- Fire doors to kitchens and all habitable rooms (30-minute FD30)
- Fire blanket in kitchen
- Emergency lighting in communal areas and escape routes
- Fire risk assessment required (reviewed annually)
- Fire escape route — unobstructed at all times
- Fire action notices displayed
Required Certificates
Gas Safety
Annual gas safety certificate (CP12) — must be displayed in property
Electrical Safety
EICR every 5 years minimum. PAT testing recommended annually. All installations to current IET Wiring Regulations.
EPC Rating
Minimum E rating required by law. Lambeth encourages C or above.
Planning Permission
C4 use class for small HMO (3-6 occupants). Sui Generis for 7+. Check if Article 4 Direction applies to specific area.
Additional Requirements
- Adequate heating in all rooms (minimum 18°C in bedrooms, 21°C in living areas)
- Hot and cold running water to all kitchens and bathrooms
- Adequate natural lighting and ventilation
- Secure entry system for shared properties
- Waste management plan — adequate bins and storage
- Regular pest control measures
- Furniture safety regulations compliance (if furnished)
- Legionella risk assessment
Required Documents
HMO licence application (or exemption confirmation)
Gas safety certificate (CP12) — annual
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — 5-yearly
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment — annual review
Floor plan with room measurements (to scale)
Planning permission / certificate of lawful use
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification (passport/driving licence)
Proof of ownership (Land Registry title)
DBS checks for all staff with access to vulnerable residents
Management plan (for supported living)
Emergency procedures document
Tenancy agreement template
Safeguarding policy (for supported living)
Fees & Timeline
Licence Fees
- HMO Licence
- £1,150 - £1,650 (varies by size, 5-year licence)
- Additional Licence
- £750 - £1,100
Timeline
- Licence Processing
- 8-12 weeks typical (can be longer during high demand)
- Typical Setup Time
- 4-8 weeks from application to approval (if all documents ready)
Lambeth-Specific Notes
- Lambeth has one of the highest concentrations of supported living in London — 30+ council-commissioned schemes
- Additional HMO licensing is borough-wide — applies even to smaller properties
- Haven Supported Homes (Samuel's company) operates in Lambeth — direct experience with requirements
- Lambeth Housing Standard (LHS) exceeds national Decent Homes Standard — £490M investment programme
- Active enforcement — council regularly inspects and takes action on non-compliant properties
Frequently Asked Questions
What licences are required for HMOs in Lambeth?
Lambeth requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO. Borough-wide additional licensing for smaller HMOs (3-4 occupants from 2+ households). Active scheme.
What are the minimum room sizes in Lambeth?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Lambeth?
The HMO licence fee in Lambeth is £1,150 - £1,650 (varies by size, 5-year licence). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical (can be longer during high demand).
What fire safety requirements apply in Lambeth?
Smoke alarms on every floor (mains-wired with battery backup). Heat detector in kitchen. Fire doors to kitchens and all habitable rooms (30-minute FD30). Fire blanket in kitchen. Emergency lighting in communal areas and escape routes. Fire risk assessment required (reviewed annually). Fire escape route — unobstructed at all times. Fire action notices displayed.
What documents are needed for compliance in Lambeth?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application (or exemption confirmation), Gas safety certificate (CP12) — annual, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — 5-yearly, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment — annual review, Floor plan with room measurements (to scale), Planning permission / certificate of lawful use, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification (passport/driving licence), Proof of ownership (Land Registry title), DBS checks for all staff with access to vulnerable residents, Management plan (for supported living), Emergency procedures document, Tenancy agreement template, Safeguarding policy (for supported living).
Contact & Sources
Council Contact
Lambeth Housing Standards Team
housing@lambeth.gov.uk
020 7926 1000
Lambeth Compliance Checklist
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