Wandsworth Council is set to expand its property licensing scheme, aiming to drive up housing standards across the borough.
The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, 1st December 2025, where councillors discussed the Property Licensing - Phase 2 Expansion of Selective Licensing. The expansion of selective licensing will require landlords in designated areas to obtain a license to rent out their properties. This initiative is designed to ensure that landlords meet specific standards, ultimately leading to better living conditions for tenants.
The specific areas included in the expanded scheme, as well as the standards landlords will need to meet, are detailed in the Selective Licensing Conditions - Draft Designation and Selective Licensing Designation 2 - Draft Declaration. Further information on amenity standards can be found in the HMO Amenity Standards document.
Enforcement measures against landlords who do not comply with the licensing requirements are outlined in the PSH Enforcement Policy.
The council has prepared several documents related to the expansion, including the aforementioned draft designation and declaration, as well as an Equality Impact Needs Assessment, and a Financial Model.
The expansion of property licensing is part of a broader effort by Wandsworth Council to improve housing standards and conditions for residents.