Wandsworth Council extends scheme to crack down on unsafe rentals

Landlords in the borough are required to sign up to the new licensing in order to legally rent out their properties.

The licensing scheme targets all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, as well as all privately rented properties in South Balham, Furzedown, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway.

Landlords have until 31 December 2025 to take advantage of the early-bird discount. Apply now before it’s too late.

From 1 April, the scheme will be expanded so that any landlord renting out a property in East Putney, West Putney, and Northcote, regardless of how many people live there, will also be required to apply for a licence.

Since the launch of the landlord licensing scheme in July, the Council has received 5,955 licence applications. Already, 444 inspections have taken place, resulting in 85 notices served to landlords failing to meet safety standards.

Wandsworth’s inspections have uncovered serious safety hazards and prompted swift action to protect tenants. This includes properties which lacked fire doors and some with dangerously undersized bedrooms.

Aydin Dikerdem, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“These new landlord licensing schemes are already making properties safer for renters in Wandsworth. By extending the scheme to more of the borough, we have more robust powers to inspect and act where landlords are not living up to their duties.

“I encourage all landlords to sign up to the scheme as soon as possible, especially if you rent out a House of Multiple Occupation or have a property in South Balham, Furzedown, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway. There is still time to benefit from the early-bird discount before it ends on 31 December.”

Wandsworth Council will continue to monitor compliance and carry out follow-up inspections to ensure all remedial works meet the required standards.

Landlords operating without suitable licences could face prosecution or financial penalties of up to £30,000. Tenants may be eligible to reclaim 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if an offence is committed.

As part of the landlord licencing, we have a new ‘Gold Standard’ to recognise and reward good landlords who exceed the basic legal and tenancy standards.

More information on landlord licensing can be found on our website.