Westminster City Council has introduced one of the most extensive Selective Licensing schemes in the country, requiring thousands of landlords to obtain licences in an effort to improve standards across the private rented sector.
The scheme, which began on Monday, covers 15 of the borough’s 18 wards and applies to homes rented to single families or up to two individual tenants.
The move follows growing concerns over substandard accommodation, rising demand for privately rented homes and increased pressure on local authorities to enforce minimum standards.
Westminster has one of the largest private rented sectors in England, with the number of privately let properties continuing to expand as social housing supply falls and ownership remains out of reach for many.
RAISING STANDARDS
Under the new rules, landlords in designated areas must apply for a licence before legally letting their properties.
In return, they are required to meet a set of conditions relating to property safety, tenancy management and the general upkeep of their homes. Houses in multiple occupation remain covered by existing licensing arrangements.
The council expects the scheme to help target areas where housing conditions are poorest and to give officers broader powers to intervene where tenants face unsafe or poorly managed accommodation.
Enforcement action, including fines and legal proceedings, may be taken against landlords who operate without a licence or fail to comply with the terms attached to one.
NATIONAL HOUSING CRISIS
Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, says: “Westminster has one of the largest private rented housing sectors in England and the number of privately rented properties continues to grow.
“With the ongoing national housing crisis, an increased shortage of social housing, and home ownership unobtainable for many, it’s never been more important to ensure that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes.
“We know that while many landlords provide good quality and safe homes, too many residents are living in substandard and sometimes dangerous conditions. Selective licensing gives us the tools to intervene and support both tenants and landlords.”
The council will assess compliance through inspections, and landlords who meet all requirements may be eligible for longer-term licences. The authority said the regime forms part of a wider strategy to raise standards and increase protections for the growing number of residents who rely on the private rented sector.
