Additional Licensing Scheme approved

Posted on: 30/04/2021

Between 19 November 2020 and 18 February 2021, we asked for your views on introducing an Additional Licensing Scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Westminster. The scheme will extend licensing to a larger number of shared homes. These include:

• Flats and houses with more than one household and 3 or more people sharing facilities.
• Certain houses converted into self-contained flats where more than a third of flats are occupied by tenants and the building does not meet modern housing standards.

The Scheme has now been approved, following a meeting of the Council on Wednesday 21 April 2021. This means that if you own or manage an HMO in Westminster, you'll need to apply for a licence.

The policy will come into effect on 30 August 2021. Applications for new licences will be open soon, as well as updated guidance on HMOs in Westminster.

If you have questions about the scheme or how it affects properties you own or manage, you can attend the Westminster City Council: Landlords Forum 2021, which will focus on additional HMO licensing in Westminster. The event will take place online at 3pm on 19 May. Please click here to book your place on Eventbrite.

By introducing an Additional Licensing Scheme, we aim to ensure that all housing in Westminster meets high standards of maintenance and safety.

For more information about HMOs, or to read the consultation report, please click here.

Thank you for engaging with the consultation.

Kind regards,
Private Rented Sector Strategy Team
Westminster City Council

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