Huge London council consults on selective licensing proposals
Westminster Council is beginning a consultation process on a new selective licensing scheme for private rented homes occupied by a family or up to two sharers.
Westminster City Council’s Matt Noble (pictured) is inviting tenants, landlords, letting agents and anyone with experience or an interest in the private rented housing sector, to have their say on the proposal to introduce a new property licensing scheme in parts of the borough.
If approved, the selective licensing scheme would come into effect in spring 2026 and would apply to private rented homes that are occupied by a family or a maximum of two sharers.
In 2021, the council introduced a boroughwide additional houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing scheme to improve safety standards for tenants living in small HMOs.
Safety of residents
It says it now wants to ensure the safety of more residents and is proposing that privately rented homes of all types (not just HMOs) should be licensed in 15 wards across the borough.
This, Westminster claims, will help tackle poor housing conditions and antisocial behaviour in the PRS.
Councillor Matt Noble (main image), Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, says: “We know that most landlords and agents operating in Westminster provide homes that are safe, of a high standard and managed well.
“When properties are not safe and well managed, the impact upon the lives of tenants and the wider community can be detrimental.
Criminal landlords knowingly flout housing laws.”
“Sometimes this is because landlords are not aware of their responsibilities and sometimes this is because criminal landlords knowingly flout housing laws.
“We want to ensure that all private rented properties are operating legally and, above all else, safe.
“Before any decisions are made, we need the views of everyone in the borough, especially those that live in a private rented home.”
The consultation runs until Sunday 19 January 2025, and everyone can share their views by visiting www.westminster.gov.uk/prs