Westminster City Council has launched an 11-week public consultation on the renewal of its borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The consultation invites feedback from residents, tenants, landlords, letting agents, and other stakeholders to shape a future scheme, when the present scheme comes to an end in August 2026.
The additional HMO licensing scheme requires shared houses or flats where three or more people from two or more households share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom to be licensed.
This covers properties including flat shares, bedsits, and converted flats not captured under mandatory licensing.
ROGUE LANDLORDS
Developed as part of the Private Rented Sector Strategy 2021-2025, the additional HMO scheme aims to tackle poor housing conditions and reduce anti-social behaviour through setting a common standard for HMOs (focussed on their specific risks), increasing interventions and targeting rogue landlords.
The Council estimates that over 56,000 homes (43% of all residential accommodation in the City) is in the private rented sector, and it is committed to improving the living conditions of the many residents in this sector.
Earlier this year, the Council announced the introduction of a new selective licensing scheme (with effect from the 24 November in 15 wards) for all properties in the private rented sector unless already licensed as part of the national HMO licensing scheme (for large homes) or the current additional HMO scheme that was introduced in 2021.
RAISING STANDARDS
Cllr Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, says: “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.
“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.”
