The private rented sector in Hammersmith & Fulham is the sixth largest in London, and eighth biggest in the country. It makes up about one third of all borough households.
To help improve the sector, the council has licensing schemes for landlords and a Landlords' Charter, with discounted licence fees for landlords who sign up, or who belong to the London Landlords' Accreditation Scheme or a recognised landlords' association.
Improving private rented housing 2017-22
In July 2016, we consulted you about our plans for making life better for people who rent their homes in Hammersmith & Fulham. We received over 2,000 responses. In summary, the majority were in favour of introducing five measures.
In 2017 the council introduced two licensing schemes, requiring landlords to apply to the council for a licence. Both expired in June 2022.
Improving private rented housing: 2022-27
In May 2021 we consulted you about the future of licensing in the private rental sector from June 2022.
On the 6 December 2021 we approved the renewal of the additional HMO licensing scheme and a revised selective licensing scheme from the 5 June 2022.
Read more about the 2022-27 schemes here: New discretionary licensing schemes approved
Private rented sector policy
The private rented sector (PRS) has grown significantly in recent years to become the largest type of housing in the borough, surpassing homeownership and social housing.
We have reviewed what more the council can do to ensure the private rented sector continues to provide safe, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions for everyone.
We have developed a new policy for the PRS (PDF, 550KB), with four priorities which we believe will help improve the PRS:
• working together with residents and private landlords
• improving private rented quality, maintenance, and standards
• delivering comprehensive enforcement action
• building a more inclusive and accessible private rented sector.