Landlord licensing plan announced to drive out rogue landlords
Published: Thursday, September 14, 2023
- Wandsworth Council is seeking to introduce additional licensing for homes shared by more than three residents from different households, as well as new selective licensing for the wider Private Rented Sector.
- The aim of these schemes is to drive up standards, crack down on rogue landlords and deliver a fairer borough for all.
- A 12-week consultation on the proposed schemes will start in the coming months.
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Wandsworth Council is looking to introduce new licensing for landlords across the borough, to drive up standards and to crack down on rogue landlords.
The selective licensing scheme proposed covers the wider Private Rented Sector (PRS) and will be rolled out in Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway and Furzedown - an estimated 8,600 properties - where the prevalence of the most serious housing hazards are predicted to be present. Once established, the Council has the option of expanding this across other areas of the borough with the Secretary of State's approval.
The introduction of both of these schemes will allow the Council to hold poor landlords to account and to take action to improve standards across the sector.
Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“Having a good home is the foundation for a good life. The schemes we are proposing would mean that the council is able to take more robust action on sub-standard homes and increase the support available to tenants – improving standards in the Private Rental market and creating a fairer borough for everyone.”
After the 12-week consultation, the results will be presented to the Housing Committee for a decision on whether to implement the schemes.