Private Tenant Rights in Lewisham
Lewisham has seen rapid growth in its private rented sector, particularly in areas like Deptford, New Cross, and Catford, which have attracted large numbers of younger renters and key workers priced out of more central boroughs. The borough operates selective licensing in designated wards, requiring landlords in those areas to hold a licence.
The combination of a fast-growing renting population and landlords who have not kept pace with their licensing obligations means a significant number of Lewisham tenants — past and present — may qualify for a Rent Repayment Order. Many are simply unaware that their landlord was required to hold a licence.
Lewisham sits adjacent to Southwark and Greenwich, and many tenants rent across borough boundaries without realising that different licensing rules apply. We check the correct register for your specific property address, wherever it falls.
Rent Deposit Compensation in Lewisham
Lewisham's fast-growing rental population, especially among younger renters and key workers, means many tenancies here are relatively new — and new tenancies are where Prescribed Information mistakes happen most. If your Lewisham landlord failed to protect your deposit within 30 days, or got the Prescribed Information wrong, you can claim between one and three times the deposit, whether you're still in the property or have already left.
We check deposit protection records for Lewisham tenants at no charge, wherever your tenancy sits within the borough.
Rent Repayment Orders in Lewisham
Lewisham's selective licensing scheme applies to designated wards rather than the whole borough, and because Lewisham borders Southwark and Greenwich, it's worth confirming exactly which authority's rules apply to your address. Our guide to selective licensing RRO claims explains what qualifies — a successful claim recovers up to 12 months of rent, and we check the correct council register for your specific property at no charge.