Westminster City Councilor Matt Noble (pictured) talks about proposals to introduce a new property licensing system in parts of the borough for tenants, landlords, letting agents and anyone with experience or interest in the private rental housing sector. I am inviting you to speak up.
If approved, the selective licensing scheme would come into force in spring 2026 and apply to private rental properties occupied by families or up to two co-owners. 
In 2021, the council introduced an additional multi-occupation (HMO) housing permit system across the borough to improve safety standards for tenants living in small HMOs.
Resident safety
The city is now proposing that all types of private rental housing (not just HMOs) should be licensed in the borough's 15 wards as it wants to ensure the safety of more residents. There is.
Westminster claims this will help tackle poor housing conditions and anti-social behavior in PRS.
Councilor Matt Noble (main image), Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Rental Housing, said:
“If properties are not safe and properly managed, the lives of tenants and the wider community can be negatively impacted.
Criminal landlords deliberately ignore housing laws. ”
“This may be due to landlords not being aware of their responsibilities, or it may be due to criminal landlords deliberately ignoring housing laws.
“We want to ensure that all private rental properties operate legally and, above all, are safe.
“We need the views of everyone in the borough, especially those living in private rented accommodation, before we make any decisions.”
The consultation will run until Sunday 19 January 2025 and everyone can share their views by visiting www.westminster.gov.uk/prs.
