Private rented property licensing

Property licensing

Private rented property licensing schemes have been introduced across parts of the borough, and apply to some privately rented homes.

The licensing schemes have been introduced to improve property conditions and management standards. The schemes also help to reduce deprivation and the antisocial behaviour (ASB) that is sometimes associated with the private rented sector in the borough.

Selective licensing

Enfield's selective licensing scheme started on 1 September 2021. Selective licensing applies to all privately rented residential properties occupied by 1 or 2 persons, or one family households, located in these 14 wards (areas) across the borough:

Designation 1:

Bowes
Edmonton Green
Enfield Highway
Enfield Lock
Haselbury
Jubilee
Lower Edmonton
Palmers Green
Ponders End
Southbury
Southgate Green
Turkey Street
Upper Edmonton

Designation 2:

Chase

New ward boundary changes

The selective licensing scheme is defined by the boundaries that were in place at the time the licensing designation was made on 18 May 2021. Properties that fall within the boundaries of the selective designation (areas mentioned above) will be licensable irrespective of the new ward boundary changes that come into force on 5 May 2022. Properties outside of the boundaries covered by the selective licensing designation will fall outside of the licensing regime.

Scroll down to the map at the bottom of this page. To find out if your property needs to be licensed under the selective licensing scheme:

insert the property postcode or address in the search bar and click on the submit button
click the drop down arrow on the search bar to find and select the relevant address from the list
look for the house icon - it will appear on the map
zoom in to the maximum possible using the + button top left corner of the map
click on the house icon to reveal the licensing information

For enquiries, email prsh@enfield.gov.uk with the full property address and we will confirm if a selective licence is required.

You can view the public notice of designations of areas for selective licensing (PDF, 2334.55 KB).

The designation makes it compulsory for all private rented properties in these wards to have a licence. Landlords will need to obtain a selective licence for each property they rent out, excluding those properties needing a licence under the mandatory or additional HMO licensing schemes.

For more information, see our selective licensing scheme page.

Apply for a selective licence

Mandatory HMO licensing

Mandatory houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing requires certain large HMOs to be licensed before they can be let out to tenants. From 1 October 2018, the mandatory HMO licensing scheme was extended to include properties with fewer than 3 storeys. You will need a mandatory HMO licence to rent out your property if it is occupied by 5 or more people forming more than one household who share some amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

Additional HMO licensing

The additional HMO licensing consultation is closed. Thank you to everyone who responded.

View the consultation documents

The new additional HMO licensing scheme for Enfield was approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 12 March 2025. The new scheme comes into effect on 1 September 2025.

A borough wide additional licensing scheme started on 1 September 2020. This applies to properties occupied by 3 or more people forming more than 1 household who share some amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom. These are properties that are not covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme.

For more information on mandatory or additional HMO licensing, see our houses in multiple occupation page.

Apply for an HMO licence