Consultation on new private rented property licensing scheme

Westminster City Council is committed to creating a fairer private rented sector and has launched a 12-week statutory public consultation on proposals to introduce a new private rented property licensing scheme, known as selective licensing.

In 2021, a borough wide additional HMO licensing scheme was introduced to ensure safety standards for tenants living in smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Licensing has helped the council to deliver safer homes for tenants and more support for landlords; and a reduction in neighbourhood nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

We are now proposing to introduce a selective licensing scheme which will apply to all private rented properties (not just HMOs) in 15 wards across the borough. This will help the council to tackle poor housing conditions and antisocial behaviour in the PRS. If approved, the selective licensing scheme will apply to all properties not already licenced under the existing schemes. We believe the introduction of this new scheme will enable us to continue to improve conditions for tenants and help make sure the sector is well run and managed.

Our proposals for a selective licensing scheme go further than improving housing conditions and if implemented, will assist with many of the frontline services we deliver across Environment & Communities. This includes measures to tackle the ASB that is sometimes associated with private rented housing, noise complaints, nuisance and waste issues. We are also proposing to offer incentives to landlords to improve the energy efficiency of properties and help tackle the Climate Emergency. Furthermore, it will boost our intelligence and allow us to tackle unscrupulous landlords and agents, some of whom we know engage in criminal activity.

Please could I ask that you share details of the consultation as input from all corners of our community is vital.

Access to the consultation and survey is on the council commonplace platform, Click here and the Private Sector Housing Team will be running a series of in person and online events as part of the consultation.