Rental Property Licensing: Mandatory, Additional & Selective Licences

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Wandsworth Council is the latest London borough to introduce new property licensing requirements for landlords, effective from 1 July 2025. In addition to the existing Mandatory HMO Licensing, Wandsworth has now rolled out Additional and Selective Licensing schemes, aimed at improving housing standards and ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities.

Holding the correct property licence is a legal requirement and demonstrates that the property is suitable for occupation and managed to an acceptable standard.

Here’s what you need to know about each type of licence, why they’re necessary and how we can support you with the application process.

What Is a Property Licence?

Property licensing helps councils to crack down on non-compliance. It can protect the health and safety of tenants and improve the quality of privately rented homes.

There are three types of rental property licence:

1. Mandatory HMO Licence

This applies to all HMOs with five or more people forming two or more households, where some or all tenants share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen.

2. Additional Licence

This scheme targets smaller HMOs that fall outside the mandatory requirements—typically, properties with three or four tenants forming more than one household, where some or all tenants share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen. In Wandsworth, the Additional Licensing scheme will cover these HMOs borough-wide.

3. Selective Licence

This applies to single-let properties, not just HMOs, in specific areas of the borough. The aim is to raise standards across the board for private rental housing. Wandsworth has designated certain wards where a Selective Licence is now required, even for properties with just one or two tenants.

Why Do These Licences Exist?

The schemes are part of a broader drive to:

  • Improve property standards and safety

  • Crack down on non-compliance

  • Ensure landlords are fit and proper to manage rental properties

  • Provide the council with a clear register of rented homes

It is unclear at this stage whether the information provided through a council’s register of rented homes will feed into the Private Rented Sector Database being created by the Renters’ Rights Bill legislation.

Licences require landlords or their agents to meet key criteria relating to property condition, management practices, fire safety, waste disposal and tenant relations.

Read more on the Renters’ Rights Bill

What Information Is Required for an Application?

When applying for a licence, you’ll typically need to provide:

  • Proof of ownership or management of the property

  • Details of the property's layout and safety measures (e.g., fire alarms, emergency lighting)

  • Gas Safety and Electrical Installation Condition Reports

  • Tenancy agreements

  • Floorplans

  • Declaration of a “fit and proper person” to hold the licence

Let Us Handle It for You

As a managing agent, we can:

  • Submit the application on your behalf

  • Act as the “fit and proper person” – if you’re based overseas, you’ll usually need a UK representative

  • Ensure your property meets all compliance and safety standards

  • Liaise with the council throughout the process

How Much Does It Cost?

Licensing fees are set by the council and vary depending on the type of licence and the size of the property. At the time of writing, Wandsworth’s fees are:

  • Mandatory HMO Licence: From around £1,300

  • Additional Licence: Around £1,100–£1,300

  • Selective Licence: From £600–£750

‘Early bird’ application discounts are usually available. Our professional body memberships also entitle our landlords to benefit from a saving.

Licences are usually valid for up to five years but can vary depending on the circumstances.

Implications for Landlords

If you let property in Wandsworth, it’s vital to check whether your property now falls under one of these licensing schemes. Failure to license a property correctly can lead to significant fines, rent repayment orders and restrictions on serving notice to tenants.

We're here to make sure you're covered. If you have any questions about how these changes affect your property - or if you'd like us to manage the application on your behalf - get in touch today.