One of London’s most high-profile councils has revealed plans to bring in selective and additional licensing schemes in a bid to clamp down on rogue landlords and improve rental properties.
If approved, licensing would come into effect in two phases, starting in Spring 2025.
The £850 selective scheme would cover all privately rented homes within seven wards, starting with phase one in Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway, and in East Putney, West Putney and Northcote in phase two. The additional HMO scheme would cost £1,450.
The PRS now makes up 36% of the London borough’s housing market, giving it one of the highest numbers of private renters in the country, according to cabinet member for housing, Aydin Dikerdem.
“While many tenants rent without issue, sadly our officers continue to receive complaints from tenants found to be living in substandard and at times dangerous accommodation, with tenants often unsure of where to turn,” says Dikerdem.
“Some of these are our most vulnerable residents. Our proposals will help us to target rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties, driving up standards to the benefit of all.”
He adds: “We are committed to continuing to work positively with responsible landlords, educating those that may not be aware of their responsibilities and driving out the minority who knowingly disregard housing laws.”
Wandsworth council used to be a flagship Tory London council and was controlled by a Conservative majority of councillors from 1978 until 2022 before Labour took control during the most recent local elections. It was former PM Margaret Thatcher's favourite council, largely because it pioneered many of her favourite policies including privatising services such as bin collections and Right to Buy.
By implementing both schemes, Wandsworth will become the 23rd borough within London to operate licencing schemes of this kind.
Local Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan has also backed the council's plans, saying: "Tooting has one of the highest proportions of private renters anywhere in the UK and they deserve better protection from rogue landlords.
"This is why I am proud to have worked with Labour-run Wandsworth coucnil to launch this consultation on landlord licensing."
The consultation runs until 14th October at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/prs and the authority has urged landlords and tenants to comment on the plans.
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