About our new housing licensing schemes

The Housing Act 2004 has given councils the power to introduce the licensing of privately rented properties to improve conditions for tenants and the local community. This includes the licensing of family properties and smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) through a selective licensing or additional HMO licensing scheme.

On 25 September 2026, 2 new licensing schemes came into force in Croydon:

• Selective Licensing Scheme for single family properties
• Additional HMO Licensing Scheme covers HMO properties with 3 or 4 persons

It is now a legal requirement to hold a selective or additional HMO licence for any qualifying property. This is in addition to the current mandatory HMO licence, where 5 or more people living as 2 or more households, and sharing at least one basic amenity for example, toilet, bath or kitchen.

Croydon Council has appointed The Oyster Partnership to manage and administer these licensing schemes. 

Croydon landlord licensing application demonstration 

We held an online webinar for landlords and managing agents about our Selective and Additional HMO Licensing schemes.

The session takes you through the application process, including how to complete an application. It includes a Q&A session, giving landlords and managing agents the opportunity to ask questions about the new schemes.

Watch the full webinar: