Creating a fairer private rented sector in Wandsworth

With the private rented housing sector in Wandsworth now making up 36% of the boroughs housing market, it has never been more important to improve the condition and quality of properties in the private rented sector and create a fairer environment for both tenants and responsible landlords.

Wandsworth Council is inviting tenants, landlords, property agents and anyone with an interest in the private rented sector to have their say on proposals to introduce property licensing schemes in parts of the borough.

The Council is consulting on two schemes, that if approved, would apply to private rented homes.

The schemes are known as selective licensing and additional houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing. Selective licensing applies to homes that are occupied by single family households or two sharers. Additional HMO licensing applies to small-shared houses that are occupied by residents from three or more households, that share a kitchen and or bathroom; and not covered by the existing national mandatory HMO licensing scheme.

The schemes will require landlords to meet certain standards with regards to the safety and condition of the property, helping the Council to clamp down on rogue landlords and ensuring better quality homes in the private sector.

Feedback and opinions are being sought far and wide, from as many people and organisations as possible who have an interest or personal experiences on the private rented sector in Wandsworth.

The Council is committed to its ambition for Wandsworth to be a fairer, more compassionate and sustainable borough. This is underpinned by the Council’s vision of creating a fairer private rented sector, by driving up standards for private renters.

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“Wandsworth has one of the highest number of private renters in the country, with over a third of our borough renting privately off of a landlord. While many do so without issue, sadly our officers continue to receive complaints from tenants found to be living in substandard and at times dangerous accommodation, with tenants often unsure of where to turn. Some of these are our most vulnerable residents. Our proposals will help us to target rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties, driving up standards to the benefit of all.

“We are committed to continuing to work positively with responsible landlords, educating those that may not be aware of their responsibilities and driving out the minority who knowingly disregard housing laws.

“Wandsworth is one of the most popular places to live in London and we are proud of that. We want to introduce property licensing to drive up the standard of properties and the communities in which they are located, no matter the type of housing. That’s why we want to ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to take part in our consultation, share their views and comment on our proposals. All views are important and can make a real difference to our plans.”

Wandsworth Council is consulting on two licensing schemes that, if approved, would come into effect in two phases, starting in Spring 2025. The Council wants to hear from all tenants, landlords, agents, residents and those that study or work in the borough.

The consultation runs until Monday 14 October 2024, and everyone can share their views by visiting www.wandsworth.gov.uk/prs.

Paper copies of the survey can be requested by emailing consult@wandsworth.gov.uk or calling 0208 454 3025.