Wandsworth Discretionary Licensing Schemes

Wandsworth Discretionary Licensing Schemes: Pubic Notice on Additional HMO and Selective Designation 1

Additional licensing
Wandsworth’s new additional licensing scheme will apply borough-wide and extend licensing to most houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that fall outside the remit of mandatory HMO licensing. This will include shared houses, shared flats and bedsit HMOs occupied by three or four people, plus all multi-occupied flats in purpose-built blocks of flats. The council has decided to exclude section 257 HMOs from the additional licensing scheme.

Selective licensing
Wandsworth’s new selective licensing scheme will extend licensing to all private rented accommodation occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in four council wards.

The four council wards covered by the new selective licensing designation are:
•    Furzedown
•    South Balham
•    Tooting Bec
•    Tooting Broadway

If you are unsure whether your property falls within the designated area, a postcode search facility will soon be available on the Council’s website.

A six-month early bird application window will open on that date, during which applicants will be eligible for a 30% discount on the Part A licence fee. Applications will be submitted via a dedicated online portal, which will be accessible through the Council’s website.

Please note that there is no facility to apply for Additional or Selective Licences, or Temporary Exemption Notices (TENs), before this date. Each application must include:
•    Correct payment
•    Valid Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
•    Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
•    Floorplan

Licence Fees:
•    Additional Licence: £1,450 (Part A: £870 | Part B: £580)
•    Selective Licence: £850 (Part A: £510 | Part B: £340)

Early Bird Discount:
30% off Part A for applications submitted between 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026.

Other Discounts:
•    £100 off Part A for multiple dwellings (same ownership, applied together)
•    £50–£100 off Part B for energy-efficient properties (EPC Band C or higher)
•    £100 off Part B for accredited landlords (e.g., NRLA, ARLA, RICS)
•    40% off Part B for Gold Standard landlords

Note: Discounts will not apply if additional information is requested twice or if a warning has been issued for failure to license.

The Council’s website is being updated with detailed guidance and FAQs. We encourage landlords to review the new requirements and prepare early to benefit from discounts and avoid penalties.

•    For more information, visit Wandsworth Council’s website 

We acknowledge your concern that, at present, there is limited information available online regarding:
•    The process for applying for a licence under the new schemes;
•    The specific requirements and documentation needed for the application;
•    The status and availability of the application portal.