Southwark Compliance Requirements
Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Southwark. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.
Licensing Requirements
Mandatory HMO
Required
Additional HMO
Required
Borough-wide additional licensing for HMOs with 3-4 occupants from 2+ households. Active since March 2022.
Selective Licensing
Active
North Walworth, Peckham, Camberwell Green, and other designated wards (expanded November 2023)
Article 4 Direction
In place
Article 4 Directions in Henshaw Street (SE17) and Bywater Place (SE16) require planning permission for C3 to C4 change of use
Exempt Accommodation
Supported accommodation may be exempt from HMO licensing under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257 if not a standard HMO. Contact council for case-by-case assessment.
Property Standards
Minimum Room Sizes
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.
EPC Rating
Minimum E rating required by law
Planning Permission
C4 use class for small HMO (3-6 occupants). Sui Generis for 7+. Article 4 Direction applies to specific areas.
Additional Requirements
- Adequate heating in all rooms
- 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
- Furniture safety regulations compliance (if furnished)
Required Documents
Fees & Timeline
Licence Fees
- HMO Licence
- £1,575 + £105 per bedroom over 5 (5-year licence)
- Additional Licence
- £1,365
- Selective Licence
- £900+
Timeline
- Licence Processing
- 8-12 weeks typical
- Typical Setup Time
- 4-8 weeks from application to approval
Southwark-Specific Notes
- Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO (5+ people), Additional HMO (3-4 people borough-wide), and Selective Licensing (designated wards)
- Additional licensing active since March 2022
- Selective licensing scheme expanded in November 2023 to include more wards
- Active enforcement with fines up to £30,000 per breach
- Article 4 Directions in specific areas require planning permission for HMO conversion
Frequently Asked Questions
What licences are required for HMOs in Southwark?
What are the minimum room sizes in Southwark?
How much does an HMO licence cost in Southwark?
What fire safety requirements apply in Southwark?
What documents are needed for compliance in Southwark?
Contact & Sources
Council Contact
Southwark Private Sector Housing Team
housing@southwark.gov.uk
020 7525 2000
Southwark Compliance Checklist
Tick off items you already have to see your compliance score.