Private rented property licensing consultation closing soon

Landlords, tenants, residents, business owners and anyone with an interest in improving housing conditions in Wandsworth have a final chance to take part in the consultation to introduce the new schemes across the borough.  

The consultation closes on Monday 14 October.

Currently, the Council operates a mandatory licensing scheme for large HMOs. These are properties that are occupied by five or more residents from two or more households, sharing facilities such as the kitchen and/or bathroom. 

The proposed boroughwide additional HMO licensing scheme would apply to small HMOs that are occupied by three or four residents from two or more households that share a kitchen and/or bathroom; and not already covered by the existing mandatory HMO scheme.

The proposed selective licensing scheme would apply to private rented homes that are occupied by a single-family household or two unrelated sharers in parts of the borough.

The introduction of both of these schemes will allow the Council to hold landlords to account and to take action to improve standards across the sector. 

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: 

“Having a good home is the foundation for a good life. The schemes that we are proposing would mean that the Council is able to take more robust action on sub-standard and unsafe privately rented homes.  This will help us to increase the support that is available to tenants and landlords, creating a fairer borough for everyone.” 

When the consultation closes, the findings will be presented to Wandsworth Council’s Housing Committee for a decision on whether to implement the schemes. 

To learn more about the proposals and take part in the consultation, visit: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/prs