The changes replace the old rule that stated an HMO license wasn’t mandatory until 5 or more people were sharing facilities. Westminster council hopes that this change will help improve living standards and create a safer, fairer tenant experience.
These new rules are of particular significance in Westminster, the largest private rental market in London. In the capital, private rental stock accounts for 27% of all dwellings. In Westminster, this number rises to 42% of dwellings, more than any other borough, followed by the City of London (41%) and Kensington & Chelsea (37%).
Furthermore, Westminster also has the 6th largest number of existing HMOs (9,539) of all London boroughs, trumped only by Ealing (20,429), Brent (16,984), Lambeth (12,000), Tower Hamlets (10,000), and Enfield (10,000).
Over the past three years, Westminster has also seen the 8th largest increase in the number of HMOs, up 19% between 2017 and 2020, behind Hillingdon (668%), the City of London (614%), Lambeth (532%), Tower Hamlets (67%), Newham (58%), Waltham Forest (53%), and Harrow (36%).
Finally, Westminster ranks 12th in terms of current HMO numbers as a percentage of all rental stock (18%), a list that is topped by Ealing (53%), Brent (46%), and Enfield (32%).
However, with these changes now in force, it's likely that the number of HMOs within the borough will now spike.
Because of Westminster’s large rental market and growing HMO market, the new licensing rules will have a more profound and long-lasting effect on the borough than it will on most others.
Tom Dainty, Bective Head of Lettings and Property Management, commented: “The impact of these new rules will be twofold. Yes, it’s undeniable that additional HMO licensing and tighter scrutiny when dealing with rule-breakers will benefit tenants by raising the standard of living.
“But, at the same time, this increased scrutiny, along with the additional costs, might tempt landlords to up sticks from Westminster and find more profitable investments elsewhere.
“This exodus will be of detriment to tenants. Fewer landlords mean less stock, and less stock means higher rent prices. With Westminster’s average rent already more than £2,600 a month, this could further price more tenants out of the borough.”
