Lambeth Temporary Exemption Notice: How to Apply and What Qualifies

A Temporary Exemption Notice — commonly called a TEN — gives a Lambeth landlord a short statutory window where they do not need a property licence, provided they can show they are taking steps to remove the property from licensing altogether. It is not a way to delay an application you intend to make. It is designed for landlords who are actively exiting the licensing requirement.

When a TEN Applies

Under Sections 62 (for HMOs) and 86 (for selective licensing) of the Housing Act 2004, a TEN is available when a property is required to be licensed but the owner intends to ensure it ceases to need a licence. The council grants one at its discretion, and only where you can demonstrate a concrete plan with evidence.

Valid grounds include:

• Property sale. You have a binding contract for sale and expect completion shortly. Evidence: the signed sale contract or solicitor's confirmation.
• Change of use. You have submitted or are about to submit a planning application to convert the property back to a single-family dwelling (C3) or to non-residential use. Evidence: the planning application reference or pre-application correspondence.
• Tenancy termination. You have served valid possession notices (Section 8 grounds) to reduce occupancy below the licensing threshold. Evidence: copies of the served notices.
• Owner re-occupation. You intend to move back into the property as your primary residence. Evidence: a written statement and supporting documentation (sale of current home, change of address).

The key word is "ceasing." A TEN is not granted to landlords who will still need a licence at the end of the exemption period.

The Timeline

An initial TEN lasts three months from the date of service. If genuine circumstances prevent you from completing the exit within that window — a property sale is delayed by conveyancing, or a planning decision is pending — you can apply for a single three-month extension before the initial notice expires.

The maximum exemption period is six months total. No further extensions exist in statute. If the property still requires a licence after six months, you must submit a full licence application immediately.

How to Apply

Applications go through Lambeth's online portal. You complete the form and attach all supporting evidence — sale contracts, planning references, court notices — combined into a single file. The council reviews the submission and either grants the TEN or issues a refusal notice.

If the council refuses, you have 21 calendar days from the date of the refusal notice to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Special Case: Death of a Licence Holder

If a sole licence holder dies during the active licence term, an automatic three-month statutory exemption applies from the date of death. Representatives of the estate can request a second three-month TEN, giving a maximum of six months to settle probate or apply for a replacement licence.

What a TEN Does Not Do

A TEN does not shield you from other housing enforcement. If the property has Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, or if management regulations are being breached, the council can still take action. The TEN exempts you from the unlicensed-letting offence only.

If the property changes hands, the buyer must submit a new licence application or apply for their own TEN on or before completion.

For the full decision logic — whether your situation calls for a TEN or a licence application — the Lambeth Landlord Licensing Guide maps both routes with checklists for each.

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