London council unveils ‘Gold Standard’ to its licensing scheme

To help incentivise compliance with its new licensing schemes, one London council has introduced the ‘Gold Standard’ charter.

It’s a voluntary programme rewarding landlords who surpass minimum legal and tenancy requirements.

Gold Standard members enjoy a 40% discount on Part B licensing fees, public recognition on the council’s website and access to landlord forums.

However, membership can be revoked if landlords fail to maintain eligibility, such as passing the ‘fit and proper person’ test.

Two licensing schemes in Wandsworth

The standard is the brainchild of Wandsworth Council and its cabinet member for housing, Aydin Dikerdem, said: “Under the existing licencing, we have been able to successfully address cases where landlords are operating illegally or forcing tenants to live in poor conditions.

“These new landlord licencing schemes will give the council more robust powers to inspect and intervene in cases where landlords are not living up to their duties, providing renters with more support and protecting their rights.”

The council has two distinct schemes targeting Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and properties in the private rented sector.

The first additional licensing scheme is for landlords renting properties to three or more individuals from different households.

The second is a selective licensing scheme which applies to all privately rented homes in Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway.

Landlords face £30,000 fines

Wandsworth is also warning that landlords operating without proper licences risk prosecution or fines of up to £30,000.

It also says that tenants in such properties may also claim back up to 12 months of rent, housing benefit or Universal Credit if their landlord is found guilty of an offence.

To encourage early participation, the council is offering discounted rates for landlords who apply within the first six months of the schemes’ rollout.

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