From 1st April 2026, Wandsworth Council (under Labour party control since 2022) will require all landlords of all rented properties in East Putney and West Putney wards, to obtain a selective licence from Wandsworth Council.
What will be required of Landlords?
This will involve landlords completing the detailed application form on the council portal (which until recently was closed for “maintenance”), paying application fees and paying licence fees totalling £850 for each property. The council will then inspect properties and issue notices to landlords failing to meet safety standards.
Will there be penalties for Landlords who don’t comply?
Landlords who let properties without a valid licence will be liable for large fines of £30,000 and tenants of unlicensed properties will also be able to claim back 12 months of rent.
In their press release, Wandsworth Council called this a “crack down on unsafe rentals”:
Wandsworth Council extends scheme to crack down on unsafe rentals – Wandsworth Borough Council
The council’s stated aim is to make properties safer for renters, in which case this should be welcome news for tenants living in East Putney and West Putney if it results in improved safety standards in rental properties.
The cost to Landlords
This will be an additional expenses and unwelcome news for landlords, especially at a time when the Renters Rights Act is about to be implemented from 1st May, which increases tenant’s rights and security of tenure.
If you let out a property in West Putney or East Putney wards, you should urgently follow this link for more information on applying for a licence before the 1st April deadline:
Check if you need a property licence – Wandsworth Borough Council
