Wandsworth Council Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Landlords

Summary: Wandsworth Council has intensified enforcement against landlords failing to meet the standards of its new licensing schemes. Since July 2025, over 3,400 licence applications have been submitted, with numerous inspections leading to formal notices for safety breaches. The council is also introducing a ‘Gold Standard’ to recognise landlords who exceed legal requirements.

Introduction of Licensing Schemes and Enforcement Actions

Wandsworth Council has taken a firm stance on improving rental property standards by implementing additional and selective licensing schemes in July 2025. These schemes require landlords to apply for licences to legally rent out properties in designated areas. To date, the council has received more than 3,400 applications, comprising over 1,900 for additional licensing and more than 1,500 for selective licensing.

As part of its enforcement efforts, the council has carried out over 110 property inspections. These inspections have resulted in 40 formal notices being served to landlords who failed to comply with essential safety standards. This crackdown reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring rental properties are safe and well-maintained for tenants.

Details of Licensing Schemes and Fees

The selective licensing scheme currently covers rented homes in the Balham South, Furzedown, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway areas. Landlords in these zones are required to pay a licence fee of £850 per property. Meanwhile, the additional licensing scheme, which targets Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), carries a higher fee of £1,450.

Looking ahead, the council plans a second phase of the schemes, which will extend coverage to East Putney, West Putney, and Northcote. This expansion will bring more landlords under the licensing regime, increasing the need for compliance across the borough.

Examples of Safety Failures and Council Interventions

During recent inspections, Wandsworth Council identified several serious safety issues. One property in Putney, intended for three tenants, was found to have a dangerously undersized bedroom and lacked fundamental fire safety features, such as fire doors and heat alarms. The council promptly issued a legal notice requiring the landlord to install compliant fire doors and alarms and to clear any obstructions from escape routes. The landlord agreed to undertake the necessary improvements, significantly reducing the fire risk.

Another property, a two-storey home with a spiral staircase open to the living room, presented serious escape hazards. After consulting with the Fire Brigade, the council warned the landlord that without structural modifications, the property could be deemed unsuitable for HMO licensing. This highlights the council’s proactive approach in addressing hazards that could endanger tenants.

Council’s Commitment and Support for Responsible Landlords

Aydin Dikerdem, Wandsworth’s cabinet member for housing, emphasised the importance of the licensing schemes. He stated, “The message is clear: unsafe rentals will not be tolerated. These new landlord licensing schemes give us 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.”

In addition to enforcement, the council has introduced a ‘Gold Standard’ initiative to recognise and reward landlords who exceed the basic legal and tenancy standards. This scheme aims to encourage best practice and foster positive relationships between landlords and tenants.

Implications for Landlords

Landlords operating in Wandsworth should be aware of the licensing requirements and ensure their properties meet all safety and management standards. Failure to comply can result in formal notices, financial penalties, and potential loss of licence, which would prohibit renting out the property legally.

Moreover, the introduction of the ‘Gold Standard’ presents an opportunity for responsible landlords to distinguish themselves in the market by demonstrating high standards of property management and tenant care. This could enhance reputation and tenant retention in a competitive rental market.

Conclusion

Wandsworth Council’s crackdown on non-compliant landlords under its new licensing schemes signals a clear message: tenant safety and property standards are paramount. Landlords must stay informed and proactive in meeting these requirements to avoid enforcement actions and benefit from recognition schemes.

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Wandsworth Council has intensified enforcement of its licensing schemes, serving formal notices to landlords failing safety standards. Learn about the schemes, fees, and how landlords can comply and benefit from the new Gold Standard recognition.

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Wandsworth Council Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Landlords with New Licensing Schemes