Croydon Council is introducing two private rental licensing schemes simultaneously, with a selective licensing scheme covering 14 of the borough’s 28 wards alongside an additional HMO licensing scheme applying across the entire borough. The dual approach will capture around 73 percent of Croydon’s private rented sector from September.
Selective licensing targets 14 wards
The selective licensing scheme will apply to single-household rental properties in 14 wards, covering approximately 72.5 percent of the borough’s private rented sector. Landlords with properties in these areas will need to obtain a licence before letting from September onwards.
At the same time, the council’s additional licensing scheme will apply to smaller houses in multiple occupation across the entire borough – capturing HMOs not already covered by national mandatory licensing rules, which apply to properties with five or more occupants forming two or more households.
Around a third of homes in Croydon are privately rented.
Zero tolerance approach to substandard properties
The council has announced a targeted inspection regime focused on properties with poor conditions, management problems, or safety hazards.
A council spokesperson said: “The schemes include a stronger, targeted inspection regime focused on properties with poor conditions or management and safety hazards. This reflects a zero-tolerance approach to landlords who do not meet the required standards and will help spot problems sooner and deal with them before they get worse.”
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s reporting on neighbouring Bexley, which has also threatened prosecution as part of its licensing enforcement drive. Croydon’s dual scheme mirrors the approach taken by other London boroughs that have survived judicial review challenges to their licensing powers.
The schemes will also support responsible landlords in managing issues such as antisocial behaviour, working with partners including the police. The council says they will work alongside the upcoming Renters Rights Act changes, helping to strengthen tenant protections.
What this means for landlords
- If you own property in Croydon: Check whether your property falls within the 14 selective licensing wards before September – unlicensed letting carries significant penalties.
- HMO landlords: The boroughwide additional scheme applies even to smaller HMOs – ensure you understand which licence applies to your property.
- Fees: Budget for licence fees across both schemes if you have multiple property types in the borough.
- Watch for: The council’s full ward list and fee schedule, expected before applications open.
- Bottom line: Croydon joins a growing list of London councils implementing comprehensive licensing – the dual-scheme approach signals intensifying enforcement across the capital.
Editor’s view
Croydon’s simultaneous launch of two licensing schemes is administratively ambitious but reflects the council’s assessment that piecemeal enforcement has failed. For landlords, the dual-scheme model is becoming the London standard – and the boroughwide HMO element leaves no corner of Croydon outside the licensing net.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 31 March 2026
Sources: Croydon Council
Related reading: Bexley Council threatens prosecution as licensing net tightens
