Do I need an HMO licence in Wandsworth?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Wandsworth runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Wandsworth?

Wandsworth currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Designation 2 — Additional Wards (from April 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Wandsworth?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Wandsworth's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Wandsworth?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Wandsworth can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Wandsworth?

HMO licence applications in Wandsworth are handled by Wandsworth Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Wandsworth HMO licensing guide

Wandsworth HMO licence — do you need one?

Wandsworth has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Which licence do you need in Wandsworth?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedNot in force in Wandsworth
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Wandsworth · See selective licensing in Wandsworth

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Wandsworth announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: April 2026

Selective Licensing Designation 2 — Additional Wards (from April 2026)

Following Designation 1 launched on 1 July 2025, Wandsworth introduced Selective Licensing Designation 2 covering additional wards from April 2026. An early-bird discount for Designation 2 runs from 1 April 2026 to 1 October 2026.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Wandsworth-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Wandsworth — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Wandsworth?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Wandsworth runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Wandsworth?: Wandsworth currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Designation 2 — Additional Wards (from April 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Wandsworth?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Wandsworth's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Wandsworth?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Wandsworth can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Wandsworth?: HMO licence applications in Wandsworth are handled by Wandsworth Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Wandsworth HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's tenant reference form — free, no account needed — then run an optional credit check from £9 per tenant. Pay per check, no subscription.

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Start free See features

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Wandsworth with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Wandsworth schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Wandsworth Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.