A London council is looking to introduce new licensing for landlords.

Currently Wandsworth council operates mandatory licensing for HMOs with five or more residents from different households.

The proposed additional licensing will cover smaller HMOs that are not already addressed under the existing mandatory scheme, including properties containing three or more residents from different households. 

This will apply borough-wide.

The selective licensing scheme proposed covers the wider private rental sector and specifically some 8,600 properties where the prevalence of the most serious housing hazards are predicted to be present. 

Once established, the council has the option of expanding this across other areas of the borough with the Secretary of State’s approval. 

Aydin Dikerdem, the councillor responsible for housing, says: “Having a good home is the foundation for a good life. The schemes we are proposing would mean that the council is able to take more robust action on sub-standard homes and increase the support available to tenants – improving standards in HMOs and the Private Rental market and creating a fairer borough for everyone.”

After a 12-week consultation, the council will decide whether to implement the schemes.