A London Labour council is introducing a so-called Gold Standard for landlords who abide by its new licensing regime.

Landlords in Wandsworth are required to sign up to the new licensing in order to legally rent out their properties.

The scheme targets all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, as well as all privately rented properties in four wards – South Balham, Furzedown, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway.

Landlords only have until December 31 to take advantage of the early-bird discount. From April, the scheme will be expanded so that any landlord renting out a property in East Putney, West Putney, and Northcote, regardless of how many people live there, will also be required to apply for a licence.

As part of the landlord licencing, the council says it’s introducing a new ‘Gold Standard’ to recognise and reward good landlords who exceed the basic legal and tenancy standards.

Since the launch of the landlord licensing scheme in July, the Council has received 5,955 licence applications. Already, 444 inspections have taken place, resulting in 85 notices served to landlords failing to meet safety standards.

Wandsworth claims its inspections have uncovered serious safety hazards and prompted swift action to protect tenants. This includes properties which lacked fire doors and some with dangerously undersized bedrooms.

Landlords operating without suitable licences could face prosecution or financial penalties of up to £30,000. Tenants may be eligible to reclaim 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if an offence is committed.