Consultation closing ! Last chance to have your say and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation

Westminster City Council is proposing to renew its Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for a further five years under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004. The current scheme, which began in August 2021, is due to end in August 2026.

Complete our survey for your chance to win one of two £50 Love2shop vouchers. 

Why Renewal Matters

The scheme would continue to apply borough-wide and cover HMOs not included in the national mandatory scheme, specifically:

• Smaller HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated individuals forming two or more households.
• All HMOs in purpose-built blocks of flats, regardless of occupancy level.

Despite progress, many HMOs in Westminster still present serious hazards such as fire safety risks, disrepair, damp, mould, and overcrowding.

Findings from the Current Scheme

• 50% of inspected properties contained at least one housing hazard. 
• Predictive modelling estimates 1,356 HMOs in Westminster are likely to contain at least one serious housing hazard.
• Over 1,700 properties are still believed to be operating without a licence.
• Poorly managed HMOs have been strongly linked to anti-social behaviour, particularly noise nuisance and waste build-up.

Progress Achieved Since 2021

• 899 HMOs have been physically improved.
• 1,900+ licences have been issued with bespoke conditions tailored to property standards.
• 73 financial penalties have been issued to hold landlords accountable for breaches in licensing, fire safety, overcrowding, and poor management practices.

Have Your Say

We are now consulting on renewing the Additional Licensing Scheme for another five years from August 2026. Your views as landlords, managing agents, tenants, and residents are vital to ensuring the scheme continues to raise housing standards and improve management standards across Westminster. The consultation will run until 12 November 2025.  

Complete our survey