Westminster City Council has launched a new Tenants’ Charter as part of a broader drive to strengthen tenants’ rights in 2025, particularly within the private rented sector. The move is aimed at setting clearer expectations for landlords and empowering renters to take action when standards fall short. The initiative comes amid growing scrutiny of rental practices nationwide and is being seen as a model other local authorities may look to replicate…

A clearer framework for tenants’ rights 2025

The charter offers a detailed guide for private renters on what they should expect from their landlords. It covers common concerns such as damp and mould, unlawful evictions, pest infestations, energy efficiency, and gas safety. It also provides pointers on how to challenge excessive rent increases and spot banned letting fees.

Under the rent section, tenants are advised to look out for red flags such as:

  • Requests for prohibited fees;
  • Letting or managing agents not being part of an approved redress scheme;
  • Rents that appear well above the going market rate.

In such cases, renters are encouraged to seek advice from the council’s Trading Standards team, its tenancy relations service, or national housing charities like Shelter.

Supported by industry and tenant groups

The charter has secured backing from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and advocacy groups such as Renters’ Rights London. Westminster’s rental market is one of the largest in the country, with approximately 44% of households renting privately – making the borough a high-profile test case for local reform.

Cllr Matt Noble, cabinet member for regeneration and renters, said:

“Too many private renters are living in poor conditions, without a clear understanding of their rights or how to enforce them. The Tenants’ Charter is a step towards rebalancing power – providing practical support and a clear route to redress.”

Context: national reforms on the horizon

The council’s action comes as the government’s long-delayed Renters Reform Bill continues to work its way through Parliament. Key proposals under the draft legislation – now widely discussed as the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 – include:

  • The abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions;
  • New minimum housing standards, with financial penalties for non-compliance;
  • The requirement for all landlords to join a national redress scheme;
  • Tighter controls on rent increases.

With recent polling showing high public support for reform and significant media attention on high-profile cases of poor housing conditions – including those linked to damp and mould – pressure is mounting on both councils and landlords to raise standards.

Letting sector tensions

Not all changes have been welcomed. Earlier this year, Westminster announced plans to extend its Regulation 7 Direction borough-wide, effectively banning ‘To Let’ boards unless express planning permission is granted. This has prompted a backlash from letting agents and trade bodies including Propertymark, which argues the measure will impact visibility and marketing.

The Council insists it’s part of a broader move to professionalise the sector and reduce visual clutter in residential areas.

Outlook for agents and landlords

While the charter itself is not legally binding, its adoption sends a clear signal to landlords and agents operating in Westminster: local authorities are preparing to take a more proactive stance on tenant protection and property conditions.

With tenants’ rights in 2025 becoming a focal point of housing policy across the UK, those in the private rented sector would be wise to review compliance, ensure redress schemes and safety checks are up to date, and prepare for a more regulated market landscape.

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