Published: 03/07/2025 By Kalon Nelson
Hello landlords, investors, and property enthusiast. Welcome to Patrick Henry's community driven blog space where we discuss all things relating to property, bringing you expert knowledge to help you make your next move a wise move.In today's topic we'll be discussing Wandsworth Council's role out of additional and selective HMO licensing across the borough with the first areas impacted being: Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Balham South and Furzedown.
What does Wandsworth's HMO changes mean for you?
If you’re a homeowner in Wandsworth renting out your property or planning to, you’ll want to take note of the borough’s new licensing laws that came into effect on 1 July 2025. Wandsworth Council has introduced two new schemes: Additional HMO Licensing, which applies to shared homes with 3 or 4 tenants, and Selective Licensing, which targets all privately rented homes in specific wards. If your property falls under either category, you’re now required to apply for a licence to continue legally renting it out.
This is all part of the council’s commitment to raising housing standards across the borough, ensuring tenants live in safe, well-managed homes. The licensing process might feel like a hurdle, but it’s a practical step toward improving property quality and neighbourhood well-being. Landlords who act early before 1 January 2026 may be eligible for discounts on licence fees, especially if your property meets energy-efficiency standards or you’re already accredited.
The good news? The council has created user-friendly portals to help you check if your home needs a licence, and applying online is relatively straightforward. Whether you’re in Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Balham South, Furzedown, or simply managing a small HMO outside mandatory schemes, now is the perfect time to ensure full compliance. A licensed property is more than just legal; it's market-ready, tenant-friendly, and future-proof.
Thanks for reading, we hope this information helps you to make your next move a wise move!
See you next time!