-
14/7/25 8:13 pm
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
London’s Westminster Council has revealed plans to renew its additional HMO licensing scheme covering all of the borough’s 18 wards.
The scheme is in addition to its existing Mandatory licensing scheme for larger HMOs and will once again sweep up thousands of smaller HMOs into the council’s licensing system, which is those with three or more people from two or more households sharing facilities.
The areas involved include some of the more ritzy postcodes within the capital including Maida Value, Abbey Road, Regent’s Park, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Marylebone and the West End.
Despite the wealthy profile of Westminster’s residents, many lower-paid people working in central London need accommodation and the council says it has been working hard to bring smaller HMOs up to minimum standards for the 12,595 people who live in them.
Since the first additional HMO licensing scheme was launched, the council says problems with fire safety and overcrowding remain and a third of those properties inspected featured ‘severe’ hazards and 88% ‘moderate’ hazards.
The council estimates that there are 1,784 unlicenced HMOs within Westminster and will use the renewed scheme to target the rogue landlords and agents who operate them.
Westminster recently revealed a new selective licensing scheme covering all privately rented properties that are not HMOs that is due to go live on 24th November in 15 wards which means, by the end of the year, it is likely that almost all of its 56,000 privately rented properties will need licensing through one of its three schemes.
“Everyone deserves to live in safe and well-managed homes. Since 2021, the Additional Licensing Scheme has improved over 900 HMOs and protected over 12,000 tenants in Westminster through our direct intervention and as good landlords comply with the requirements of the scheme,” says Councillor Ellie Ormsby (pictured), Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters.
“With the largest private rented sector in the country, the council is committed to driving up housing standards and creating a safer, fairer private rented sector.
“We are determined to continue with the achievements we have made.
“Whether you are a tenant, landlord, letting agent or local stakeholder, your views will be important in shaping the future of the scheme and ensuring a high-quality and attractive provision of private rented housing in Westminster.”
Fees for the scheme charged to landlords will remain at £1,540 for a five-year licence, with NRLA members given a 10% discount. Landlords are urged to participate in the council’s 11-week consultation.
Main pic: Ralph Court in Bayswater, which contains several licensed smaller HMOs. Credit: Chestertons
Tags:
Comments