Wandsworth Licence Duration and Renewal: How Long Does a Property Licence Last?

Standard Duration: Five Years

Property licences in Wandsworth are normally granted for five years. That applies to selective licences, additional HMO licences, and mandatory HMO licences alike.

But "five years" means the licence period runs from the date it is granted, not from the start of the scheme. Wandsworth can grant a licence for up to five years, and may grant a shorter period in specific circumstances such as missing planning permission.

The 1-Year Reduced Licence

Wandsworth routinely shortens licence duration from five years to one year in specific circumstances. The main trigger is missing planning permission for an HMO that requires it.

A property occupied by seven or more people falls into Sui Generis use under planning law, which requires planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate. If you apply for an Additional or Mandatory HMO licence for a property that requires planning permission but does not have it, Wandsworth will grant a 1-year licence instead of the standard five.

That one-year window is intended to give you time to obtain planning permission, resolve unauthorized development issues, or reduce occupancy to a level that doesn't require Sui Generis consent. When the year is up, you need to apply again, pay the fees again, and demonstrate progress.

For smaller HMOs of up to six people, this trap usually doesn't apply. Wandsworth has no borough-wide Article 4 direction restricting C3 to C4 conversions, so converting a dwelling into a small HMO generally falls under permitted development rights.

Scheme Expiry Dates

The discretionary schemes have fixed lifespans set by the council's designation orders:

When a discretionary designation expires without renewal or replacement, it no longer requires new licences under that scheme. A licence already granted may remain in force until its own expiry, even after the designation ends. Mandatory HMO licensing is a permanent national requirement with no expiry.

If a licence outlasts its designation, it does not automatically lapse when the designation ends. The existing licence remains in force until it expires, is revoked, or is otherwise terminated.

Renewal Before Expiry

Licences are not automatically renewed. You need to submit a fresh application before the existing licence expires, going through the same portal process and paying Part A and Part B fees again. There's no discounted renewal rate — the fees are the same as a first-time application.

The practical advice: start the renewal process several months before expiry. Processing times can stretch, and operating on an expired licence without a pending application leaves you exposed to the same penalties as never having applied at all.

Licence Transfer on Sale

Wandsworth property licences are non-transferable. If you sell a licensed property, the licence lapses. The buyer cannot operate under your licence — they must submit their own application before completion. If you're selling, notify Wandsworth Housing Services in writing to revoke the existing licence.

Our Wandsworth Landlord Licensing guide covers the full compliance calendar, including when to start renewal, how to track licence conditions throughout the term, and the exact documents needed for reapplication.

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