Wandsworth Council Steps up Licensing for Landlords

Cites unsafe flat in Putney as justification for further regulation

The council has received more than 3,400 licence applications since July

November 11, 2025

Wandsworth Council has launched a borough-wide licensing drive aimed at raising standards in the private rented sector and cracking down on unsafe properties and rogue landlords. The programme, which combines Additional HMO licensing with selective licensing in targeted neighbourhoods, has already prompted hundreds of inspections and forced landlords to make urgent safety improvements.

Since the scheme began in July, the council has received more than 3,400 licence applications and carried out over 110 inspections. Inspection teams have issued more than 40 formal notices where properties failed to meet legal safety standards, requiring works such as the installation of compliant fire doors, heat alarms and the removal of obstructions from escape routes. The licensing rules apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and to private rented homes in Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway; landlords who fail to obtain the correct licence face prosecution, fines of up to £30,000 and possible tenant claims for up to 12 months’ rent or housing benefit repayments.

The council highlighted a Putney example where inspectors found a property intended for three tenants with an undersized bedroom and no basic fire safety features. A legal notice required the landlord to install fire doors and alarms and clear escape routes; the landlord agreed to carry out the works, substantially reducing the fire risk. Other inspections uncovered a two-storey house with a spiral staircase posing a major escape hazard and a six-bedroom property with a faulty basement door near utility meters, both of which triggered enforcement action and consultations with the Fire Brigade.

Councillor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet member for Housing, said the programme demonstrates why licensing matters and that unsafe rentals will not be tolerated. The council has also introduced a “Gold Standard” award to recognise landlords who exceed basic legal and tenancy standards.

The surge in local licensing schemes across England has prompted mixed responses from the housing sector. Councils’ powers to introduce selective licensing have been used more widely in recent years, and many local authorities now charge sizeable fees to cover administration and enforcement — studies show average licence costs running into several hundred pounds, with some councils charging more than £1,000 per property. Landlord groups and lettings trade commentators say these costs and additional compliance burdens can place financial pressure on small landlords and agents, especially where schemes expand rapidly.

Supporters argue that licensing is an effective tool to improve safety and management standards, bring poorly run properties up to legal levels and give tenants real routes to redress. Changes to central government oversight have also affected the landscape: since late 2024 councils no longer require Secretary of State approval to introduce selective licensing, making it easier for local authorities to move quickly on schemes they judge necessary for neighbourhoods.

Landlords can apply for licences through Wandsworth Council’s online portal, and the authority will continue follow-up inspections and enforcement where required. Tenants who have concerns about property safety are advised to report issues through the council and to seek advice on their rights if a property is unlicensed; penalties for non-compliance can include prosecution and financial redress for affected renters.