Landlord licensing in London Borough of Sutton

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

Additional licensing

The London Borough of Sutton has an additional licensing scheme that requires a licence for smaller HMOs. Check the council's website for current designations and property types covered.

Selective licensing

The London Borough of Sutton has a borough-wide selective licensing scheme, which means a licence is required for most privately rented properties. Check the council's website for specific details and exemptions.

Typical fees

Vary depending on the type of licence and application. Discounts may be available for accredited landlords or early applications. Check the council's website for current fees.

Towns covered

Sutton

What this means for you

If you let a property in the London Borough of Sutton, first confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger properties. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs, and selective licensing can apply to all private rented homes in designated areas. Designations, fees and boundaries in London change regularly, so check the council's own licensing pages before each new tenancy or advertisement. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commence 2026) replaces fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies, ends Section 21 no-fault evictions, and introduces a national landlord database and ombudsman. Keep the same evidence pack for every tenancy: a current gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and the required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website