From 1 July 2025, the London Borough of Wandsworth will introduce new additional and selective licensing schemes that will run for five years.  See more details here

Additional Licensing

• Applies borough-wide to most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that don’t fall under mandatory HMO licensing.
• Covers:
  • Shared houses/flats and bedsits occupied by 3–4 people.
  • Multi-occupied flats in purpose-built blocks.
• Section 257 HMOs are excluded.

Selective Licensing

• Applies to all private rented properties let to a single household or two unrelated sharers in four wards:
  • Furzedown
  • South Balham
  • Tooting Bec
  • Tooting Broadway
• A postcode checker will soon be available on the council’s website.

Mandatory HMO Licensing

• Already applies borough-wide to properties occupied by five or more people.

Application Process

• Applications open from 1 July 2025.
• Required documents include:
  • Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report
  • Floorplan

Fees

• Additional licence: £1,450 per property (Part A: £870, Part B: £580)
• Selective licence: £850 per property (Part A: £510, Part B: £340)

Discounts

• Early bird (before 1 Jan 2026): 30% off Part A
• Multiple dwellings: £100 off Part A
• Energy efficiency: £50–£100 off Part B (based on EPC rating)
• Gold Standard: 40% off Part B
• Accreditation (e.g. NRLA, ARLA): £100 off Part B

Note: Discounts won’t apply if the council issues two information requests or a warning for failing to license.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Fines up to £30,000 per property
• Risk of prosecution, Rent Repayment Orders, loss of Section 21 rights, and listing on the Rogue Landlord Checker.

Contact: Email privatehousing@merton.gov.uk for more information.