Additional HMO licensing in Sutton
Yes. Sutton operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Sutton?
Yes. Sutton operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Which areas of Sutton does the scheme cover?
Whole borough. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Sutton's scheme end?
The designation runs until 21 December 2030, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,597. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Sutton before budgeting.
One payment.
| Each LETTING | £319.40 |
- Discounts listed; non-refundable and non-transferable
Sutton, read 25 August 2026
What the designation says
Confirmed live scheme (first-party research 19 Aug 2026). The council HMO page states "We currently operate two active licensing schemes: 1. Mandatory Licensing... 2. Additional Licensing (now live) The lead-in period has expired, and the London Borough of Sutton's Additional Licensing Scheme is now fully live and applies to the whole Borough. If your property is an HMO but does not meet the 5-person threshold for Mandatory Licensing, it will now require a licence under this Borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme." The designation instrument, "The London Borough of Sutton Designation for an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation 2025", states "This designation is made on 22 December 2025 and shall come into force on 22 March 2026" and "shall cease to have effect on 21 December 2030". Approved at Housing, Economy and Business Committee on 25 November 2025 (agenda item 32). The council estimates around 690 properties will require licensing. third-party sources circulate an end date of March 2031; the designation says 21 December 2030.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Sutton before letting.