Wandsworth Landlord Licensing

Wandsworth operates three licensing schemes: mandatory HMO licensing (nationwide, 5+ occupants, fee £1,661–£2,117), additional HMO licensing (borough-wide since 1 July 2025 for 3+ occupants forming 2+ households, fee £1,507), and selective licensing in two phases. Phase 1 covers 4 wards since July 2025 (Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway). Phase 2 covers 3 additional wards since April 2026 (East Putney, Northcote, West Putney). Selective licence fee: £885 per property.

Phase 2 is the expansion of Wandsworth’s selective licensing scheme to 3 additional wards — East Putney, Northcote, and West Putney — which went live on 1 April 2026 and runs to March 2031. Phase 1 covered 4 wards from July 2025 to June 2030. All privately rented properties in these 7 wards need a selective licence (unless already covered by an HMO licence).

Seven wards are covered across two phases. Phase 1 (live since July 2025): Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway. Phase 2 (live since April 2026): East Putney, Northcote, and West Putney.

The selective licence fee is £885 per property, split into Part A (£529, non-refundable) and Part B (£356, due on grant). Seven discounts are available: 30% early bird off Part A (until 1 October 2026, saving ~£159), £104 off for multiple dwellings (same building, same ownership, simultaneous application), £52 off Part B for EPC Band C, £104 off Part B for EPC Band A or B, £104 off for social rented properties, 40% off Part B for Gold Standard landlords (~£142 saving), and £104 off Part B for accredited landlords (LLAS, NRLA, UKALA, ARLA, RICS, or safeagent). The council will not apply discounts after 2 information requests or a warning letter.

The additional HMO licence fee is £1,507 per property for HMOs with 3 or more people forming 2 or more households. This scheme has been borough-wide since 1 July 2025. Mandatory HMO licensing (5+ people) costs £1,661–£2,117 depending on property size.

Operating without a required licence is a criminal offence. Wandsworth Council can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property, prosecute (unlimited fine), and tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order to recover up to 12 months’ rent. You may also be unable to serve Section 21 eviction notices, and the council can pursue banning orders against persistent offenders.

You need: a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), smoke alarms on every floor, carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, a floor plan with room measurements, tenancy agreements and tenancy management documents, and proof of electrical safety compliance.

Yes. Phase 2 properties (East Putney, Northcote, West Putney) have an early bird window offering 30% off Part A (saving ~£159) until 1 October 2026. The Phase 1 early bird closed on 1 January 2026. Discounts for EPC ratings, multiple dwellings, social rented, Gold Standard, and landlord accreditation also apply on top.

Phase 1 selective licences run from July 2025 to June 2030 (5 years). Phase 2 selective licences run from April 2026 to March 2031 (5 years). Additional HMO licences also run for 5 years from July 2025.

Wandsworth typically processes licence applications in 8–12 weeks. Apply as early as possible and ensure all supporting documents are included to avoid delays.

No. If your property is an HMO that requires a mandatory or additional HMO licence, you do not also need a selective licence — the HMO licence takes precedence. Selective licensing applies only to non-HMO privately rented properties in the designated wards.