Wandsworth’s New Selective Licensing Scheme: What Landlords Must Do Before April 2026

What Is Changing in Wandsworth?

Wandsworth Council is expanding its approach to regulating the private rented sector with a second selective licensing scheme starting 1 April 2026. This new scheme covers privately rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers within East Putney, Northcote, and West Putney wards. It complements existing mandatory HMO licensing borough-wide and the first selective licensing scheme, which begins in July 2025 for other wards.

Why This Matters to Landlords

Selective licensing means landlords must obtain a licence from the council before renting out qualifying properties. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to £30,000 per property, prosecution, Rent Repayment Orders reclaiming up to 12 months’ rent, and restrictions on serving Section 21 eviction notices. Additionally, non-compliant landlords risk being named on the Mayor’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker, which can damage reputation and affect letting prospects.

Which Properties Are Affected?

• Location: East Putney, Northcote, and West Putney wards only
• Property type: Privately rented properties occupied by either a single household or two unrelated sharers (i.e., not HMOs requiring other licensing)

Landlords with HMOs must continue to comply with mandatory licensing requirements separately.

Key Compliance Requirements

To secure a selective licence, landlords must prepare and submit several documents alongside the application:

• Gas Safety Certificate (if gas appliances are present)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Floorplan of the property

The licence fee is £850 per property, payable in two instalments. Discounts are available, including an early bird reduction if you apply before 1 October 2026.

Financial and Operational Implications

• Licence Fees: Budget for £850 upfront per property, with potential savings if applying early.
• Documentation Costs: Arrange for up-to-date safety certificates and floorplans, which might require professional inspections or surveying costs.
• Time Investment: Applications open from 1 April 2026; applying early can reduce fees and prevent last-minute rush.

For landlords managing multiple units, these costs and processes multiply, so early planning is essential.

What Different Landlord Profiles Should Do Now

• Single-Unit Landlords: Use the council’s postcode checker to confirm if your property is in the designated wards. Start gathering required documents now, especially if your gas or electrical certificates are approaching expiry.

• Portfolio Landlords: Conduct a full audit of all properties to identify those affected. Consider a workflow to batch prepare applications and liaise with contractors for safety certificates and floorplans efficiently.

• HMO Landlords: Maintain compliance with existing mandatory licensing; the new selective licensing may not apply but stay alert for council updates.

• Accidental Landlords: If your property falls in these wards, treat this as a priority compliance action to avoid penalties.

Recommended Next Steps

1. Check Property Location: Use Wandsworth Council’s postcode search tool to verify if your rental falls within the new selective licensing zones.
2. Review Existing Documentation: Ensure your Gas Safety Certificate and EICR are current. Arrange for renewals if they expire before or shortly after April 2026.
3. Commission Floorplans: If you lack a current floorplan, engage a professional to produce one that meets council standards.
4. Plan Your Application Timeline: Aim to submit your licence application as soon as the scheme opens on 1 April 2026 to benefit from early bird discounts and avoid last-minute issues.
5. Maintain Other Compliance: Continue meeting mandatory HMO licensing requirements where applicable.
6. Monitor Council Communications: Wandsworth Council will issue guidance updates; stay alert to changes or clarifications.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support You

Our team offers comprehensive services tailored to landlords facing new licensing schemes:

• Portfolio Reviews: Identify which properties will be affected and prioritise action plans.
• Compliance Audits: Verify your current documentation and licensing status to highlight gaps.
• Pricing Strategy Advice: Incorporate licensing costs into your rent calculations to maintain profitability.
• Application Support: Assist with compiling and submitting licence applications accurately and on time.

Contact us early to avoid penalties and ensure your properties remain compliant and profitable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult professional advisors or Wandsworth Council for specific compliance requirements.