0:01 AM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago 5
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A London council claims it will fine landlords more than £30,000 and allow tenants to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent if landlords fail to obtain the correct property licences.
Wandsworth Council has announced a new selective licensing scheme and an additional licensing scheme for HMOs, with landlords able to apply for the required licences from 1 July.
The news comes after Hackney council revealed plans for new licensing schemes despite past failures.
Under the scheme, landlords will need to apply for a licence for homes occupied by three or more people from different households, as well as for all private rented homes in four areas of the town, including Furzedown, South Balham, and Tooting Bec .
The council says these licensing schemes will provide stronger protections for tenants.
Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Wandsworth has one of the highest proportions of renters in the country.
“Yet many don’t know where to turn if things go wrong. Our new licensing scheme will give the council more robust powers to inspect properties and take action against landlords who fail to meet their responsibilities.
“This will help us crack down on rogue landlords while offering renters more support and protecting their fundamental rights.”
The council warns that once the new rules come into effect, landlords operating without the correct licences could face prosecution or financial penalties of up to £30,000.
The council also claims tenants may be able to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit if an offence has been committed.
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The_Maluka
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Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2127 - Articles: 1
10:49 AM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago
All these licencing schemes, and they still have not managed to crack down on rogue landlords.
Property One
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Member Since June 2020 - Comments: 32
12:40 PM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago
Extra costs to tenants for absolutely no reward for the tenant and more work for the LL. Really it’s a stealth tax.
Jack Craven
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 94
14:41 PM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 10/06/2025 – 10:49
I personally don’t know of any rogue Landlords and have not heard of any in my area, if these people know of any then why are they not dealing with them instead of taking it out on us ?
The_Maluka
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Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2127 - Articles: 1
15:20 PM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jack Craven at 10/06/2025 – 14:41
Because the reason given, in Churchillian terms, is a Terminological Inexactitude.
Silver Flier
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Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 53
18:15 PM, 10th June 2025, About 7 months ago
Wandsworth are introducing Additional Licensing for HMOs throughout the whole borough, and Selective Licensing in 4 wards. Their aim they say is “to create a fairer private rented sector”, with no explanation as to how taking large sums of money from landlords and putting them into their own coffers will achieve this.
Additional Licensing applies to HMOs of 3 or 4 people – HMOs with 5 or more people were already required to have a Mandatory License. A Selective License is required for all other privately rented properties in the 4 wards.
The Council’s fees are £ 1,450 for an Additional License and £ 850 for a Selective License. The first part of the Additional License fee, £ 870, the council says is just to cover the cost of processing the licence! That involves inputting the property details provided by the landlord on the license application form, including the room sizes, the EPC, Gas and EICR certificate details into their database.
Given the high proportion of rental properties in the Borough, these licensing schemes are going to be an absolute money-spinner for the Council.