Selective licensing launches with 40% discount for ‘gold standard’ agents

Big London Council offers major fee reduction to managing agents and landlords who exceed the basic requirements.

Aydin-Dikerdem-Wandsworth

Wandsworth Council has taken a carrot and stick approach to its new licensing schemes with a voluntary ‘Gold Standard’ charter offering 40% discounts on Part B licensing fees to managing agents and landlords who exceed basic legal requirements,

But it is also warning of big fines for those who break the rules.

The schemes, which went live earlier this week, require licences for Houses in Multiple Occupancy with three or more people from different households, plus selective licensing for all private rented properties in Furzedown, South Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway.

These new landlord licensing schemes will give the council more robust powers to inspect and intervene in cases where landlords are not living up to their duties.”

Aydin Dikerdem (main image), Cabinet Member for Housing, says: “These new landlord licensing schemes will give the council more robust powers to inspect and intervene in cases where landlords are not living up to their duties.”

His Gold Standard charter sets three standards covering the operator, tenancy arrangements and property condition. Operators must meet ‘fit and proper’ person criteria and hold current membership of an approved accreditation scheme such as the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, National Residential Landlords Association, UKALA, ARLA Propertymark, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or Safeagent.

Charter members must accept benefit tenants, provide written agreements with anti-social behaviour clauses, and maintain properties with EPC ratings of C or above, plus enhanced security measures. They must also offer joint inventory inspections.

Gold level benefits

As well as the 40% discount on Part B licensing fees, charter members are also promoted on the Council’s website, able to use their accreditation on their marketing material and given priority invitations to landlord forums, with membership lasting five years.

Selective licensing costs £850 per property, whilst additional HMO licensing ranges from £1,647 for three-bedroom properties to over £2,000 for larger developments.

Landlords operating without the mandatory licences, on the other hand, face prosecution and penalties of up to £30,000.


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