London council widens its landlord licensing as inspections uncover safety issues

A London council is to extend its two landlord licensing schemes with the threat of £30,000 fines for non-compliance.

Wandsworth Council’s current schemes cover all Houses in Multiple Occupation borough-wide, alongside every privately rented home in South Balham, Furzedown, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway.

From 1 April, the council will extend its scheme to cover East Putney, West Putney or Northcote where landlords will need a licence, regardless of tenant numbers.

The selective licence fee is £850 per property with the additional HMO licence fee costing £1,450 per property.

More robust powers

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Aydin Dikerdem, 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.”

He added: “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.”

444 inspections carried out

Since the scheme launched in July, the council has received 5,955 licence applications and officers have carried out 444 inspections.

That has seen 85 formal notices being issued where safety standards were not met.

Inspectors found properties without fire doors and others with bedrooms so small they posed a risk to occupants.

Wandsworth says compliance checks will continue, alongside follow-up inspections to ensure required works are completed to an acceptable standard.

Landlords face £30,000 fines

Landlords operating without the correct licence could face prosecution or financial penalties of up to £30,000, the council warns.

It also says tenants may also be able to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit where offences are proven.

An early-bird discount remains available until 31 December, offering a reduced fee for those who apply before the deadline.

Wandsworth has also introduced a Gold Standard as part of the licensing framework, aimed at recognising landlords who go beyond basic legal and tenancy requirements.