Westminster council in central London has confirmed the renewal of its additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). 

The renewed scheme will come into force on August 31 this year and will run for five years.

The designation applies across the whole of the City of Westminster and requires certain shared houses or flats to be licensed. 

This includes properties where three or more people from two or more households share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Property types covered include flat shares, bedsits, and some converted flats that are not subject to mandatory HMO licensing.

The additional licensing scheme forms part of the council’s statutory housing enforcement framework and is intended to support compliance with legal standards for the management and condition of HMOs.

Additional HMO licensing was first introduced in Westminster in 2021. 

It is estimated that more than 56,000 homes, representing approximately 43% of all residential accommodation in Westminster, are in the private rented sector.

Under the renewed designation, landlords and managing agents of applicable HMOs must hold a valid licence or submit a complete licence application before the scheme comes into effect.

Licences granted under the previous additional licensing scheme will remain valid until their expiry date, unless otherwise varied or revoked.

Failure to license a property where required is a criminal offence and may result in enforcement action, including financial penalties or prosecution.

Applications for licences under the renewed scheme opened this month.