Source: City of Westminster
Westminster City Council has announced the implementation of a new Selective Licensing Scheme for privately rented homes, reaffirming its commitment to raising housing standards and creating a fairer, safer rental environment for residents across the city.
The new scheme, set to cover 15 of the city’s 18 wards, will apply to all privately rented properties excluding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are already covered under existing mandatory and additional licensing schemes. This decisive move is aimed at tackling poor housing conditions and reducing anti-social behaviour by targeting rogue landlords and bringing substandard properties up to acceptable living standards.
Westminster City Council undertook a thorough statutory consultation process before approving the scheme. The council commissioned Cadence Innova, an independent consultancy with expertise in public sector engagement, to carry out an extensive series of consultation activities. These included outreach with landlords, tenants, residents, and other key stakeholders. Cadence Innova has independently reviewed and reported on the responses and findings from the consultation.
The decision to proceed with the scheme follows careful consideration of the consultation results and a detailed evidence base, highlighting the need for intervention in areas where housing conditions and anti-social behaviour remain problematic.
Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, said:
“The Selective Licensing Scheme is about supporting responsible landlords and ensuring that every resident in Westminster has access to safe, secure, and well-maintained housing. We’re focused on improving living conditions, not only to protect tenants but also to support landlords who do the right thing.”
Once the decision becomes effective, the council will formally designate the selective licensing areas. Full details, including the scheme’s start date and guidance on when and how landlords can apply for licences, will be published in due course.
Notes to Editors:
- The Scheme will be rolled out over two ‘designations’.
- Designation 1 consists of eight wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions – Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and Westbourne.
- Designation 2 consists of seven wards experiencing both high levels of poor housing conditions and significant and persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour – Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park and West End.
- The Selective Licensing Scheme excludes properties already licensed under Westminster’s existing HMO schemes. Other exemptions also apply, including properties managed by Registered Providers of Social Housing.
- The scheme is part of Westminster’s broader Private Rented Sector Strategy.
- Licensing will enable the council to require landlords to meet basic housing standards, with enforcement powers for non-compliance.
- Incentives will apply to landlords of well managed properties including fee discounts for accredited landlords and for the most energy efficient properties.
For more information contact mediateam@westminster.gov.uk