Wandsworth Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Wandsworth? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Wandsworth and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Wandsworth?
Mandatory licensing in Wandsworth
Mandatory licensing is required in Wandsworth if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Wandsworth?
Additional licensing requires that all privately rented properties with three or more people from two or more households obtain a licence within the area.
Wandsworth council does not currently have an active additional licensing scheme, but is consulting the public for the introduction of one. The consultation runs from 22/07/2024 until 14/10/2024. When the consultation finishes, the council will decide whether to go ahead with the scheme based on the results
Do I need a selective licence in Reading?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties within an area agreed by the council requires licensing, regardless of the number of people or households formed.
Wandsworth council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. The council is currently consulting on implementing a selective licensing scheme in the wards of Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, East Putney, West Putney, and Northcote. This consultation will run until the 14th October 2024 where a decision will be made as to whether to go ahead with the scheme.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for licensing through Wandsworth Council here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Reading. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory fees:
£1,661
Proposed fees for additional and selective consultation:
Selective scheme: £850
Additional scheme: £1,450
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 22nd July 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Wandsworth?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Wandsworth Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Wandsworth council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Wandsworth council are currently consulting on implementing a new region wide additional scheme, and a selective scheme covering multiple wards. This page will be updated if the schemes are set to go ahead when the consultation ends.
Why is Wandsworth council proposing a new additional licensing scheme?
Wandsworth Council is introducing additional licensing schemes to address widespread poor housing conditions in the private rented sector (PRS), which makes up 36% of the borough’s housing. The initiative aims to improve property quality, reduce health and safety hazards, and ensure better property management. Key statistics reveal that 13% of PRS properties in Wandsworth have Category 1 hazards, equating to approximately 6,806 properties. The additional licensing scheme will apply to HMOs with three or more tenants sharing amenities and will help in maintaining a decent standard of living and management
Why is Wandsworth council planning to introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is being introduced in seven wards to tackle poor housing conditions, high levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB), and other housing-related issues. The scheme will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1, starting in early 2025, covers Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway, which have PRS properties with high levels of Category 1 hazards, ranging from 12.2% to 16.5%. Phase 2, planned for late 2025 pending government approval, will extend to East Putney, West Putney, and Northcote, where similar issues persist. This phased approach will allow the council to scale up resources to manage and enforce the scheme effectively
What will be the conditions for Wandsworth Council's new licensing schemes?
To obtain a licence under the proposed schemes, landlords must meet several conditions designed to ensure property safety and proper management. These include compliance with gas, fire, and electrical safety standards, effective waste management, and measures to control ASB. Landlords will also be required to address any identified Category 1 and 2 hazards. The council has the authority to impose additional bespoke conditions tailored to specific properties to address unique issues. This regulatory framework aims to improve living conditions for tenants and foster responsible landlord practices
About Wandsworth
Wandsworth, an inner borough of London in the historic county of Surrey, lies west of Lambeth and spans 5 miles along the River Thames. Established in 1965 by merging Battersea and parts of Wandsworth, the borough includes districts like Roehampton, Putney, Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Battersea, Tooting, and parts of Clapham and Balham. Evidence of Iron Age and Roman settlements exists in Putney, with the area playing a significant role during Saxon times, as noted in the Domesday Book of 1086.
