Westminster Council Launches Extensive Selective Licensing Scheme for Landlords

Summary: Westminster Council has introduced a significant selective licensing scheme covering most private landlords across the city. The scheme aims to improve housing standards and tackle anti-social behaviour in designated wards, making it the most expensive licensing scheme in London.

Overview of the New Licensing Scheme

Westminster Council has officially launched its largest selective licensing scheme, which will apply to the majority of private landlords within the city. This initiative is designed to address issues related to poor housing conditions and persistent anti-social behaviour linked to private rented properties. The scheme covers 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards, making it the capital’s most costly selective licensing programme to date.

Designation Areas and Their Challenges

The scheme is divided into two designations based on the severity and nature of the problems in each area:

• Designation One includes eight wards characterised primarily by high levels of poor housing conditions. These are Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park, and Westbourne.
• Designation Two covers seven wards facing both poor housing conditions and significant, ongoing anti-social behaviour issues related to private rented housing. These wards are Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park, and West End.

This targeted approach allows the council to focus resources and enforcement efforts where they are most needed.

Council’s Perspective and Rationale

Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Westminster’s cabinet member for regeneration and renters, emphasises the importance of the scheme given the city’s large and growing private rented sector. She notes that with the ongoing national housing crisis, limited social housing availability, and the increasing difficulty of home ownership, ensuring safe and decent homes for private renters is more critical than ever.

Ormsby states, “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.”

Cost and Incentives for Landlords

The cost of obtaining a licence under this scheme is set at £995 per property, which is notably higher than other London boroughs. However, the council offers a 10% discount for accredited landlords and up to a 20% reduction for those with good Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings. Despite these incentives, the scheme remains the most expensive selective licensing programme in London.

Background and Related Initiatives

Westminster Council has previously operated an additional HMO licensing scheme since 2021, targeting Houses in Multiple Occupation. The council also launched a tenants’ charter aimed at educating private renters about their rights, improving living standards, and providing access to support services.

Implications for Landlords

Landlords operating in Westminster should prepare for compliance with the new selective licensing requirements. The scheme’s extensive coverage means that most private rented properties in the borough will require a licence, with associated fees and conditions. Failure to obtain a licence could result in enforcement action and penalties.

Given the high cost of the licence, landlords may wish to explore accreditation schemes and improve their properties’ EPC ratings to benefit from the available discounts. Additionally, landlords should stay informed about the council’s enforcement strategies and tenant support initiatives to ensure compliance and maintain good landlord-tenant relationships.

Conclusion

Westminster Council’s new selective licensing scheme represents a significant regulatory development for landlords in the capital. By targeting areas with poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour, the council aims to raise standards and protect tenants. Landlords should take proactive steps to understand the scheme’s requirements and ensure their properties meet the necessary standards.

For further information on selective licensing and landlord responsibilities, visit Landlord Association.

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Westminster Council has launched a major selective licensing scheme covering most private landlords to improve housing standards and tackle anti-social behaviour. Discover what this means for landlords in London.

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Westminster Council Launches Major Selective Licensing Scheme for Landlords