Politics
Kensington and Chelsea Council Approves Short-Term Let Registration Rules, Affecting Notting Hill Rentals from January 2027
Notting Hill households will face new registration requirements for short-term lets starting January 2027 after the council vote on 7 July 2026.
How we reported this
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council voted on 7 July 2026 to require registration for all short-term holiday lets in the borough, with the scheme applying first in Notting Hill wards. The measure sets a January 2027 start date for applications and an April 2027 enforcement date for unregistered properties.
Meeting Details and Vote Outcome
Councillors approved the registration scheme by a 28-19 margin during the full council session at Kensington Town Hall. The policy document from the housing directorate states that operators must submit property details, safety certificates and neighbour notification forms through an online portal. Local advocates note the change targets properties listed on platforms for stays under 90 days.
Policy analysts say the timeline means Notting Hill residents who rent out rooms or flats will need to complete registration before the January deadline or risk fines of £500 for the first offence. The legislation states that existing lets operating without registration after April 2027 will face closure orders issued by council enforcement officers.
Effects on Daily Life for Residents
Notting Hill households near Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove will see changes in neighbour notification procedures once the scheme begins. Landlords must inform adjacent properties at least 14 days before any new registration, according to the council's published guidance. This step is projected to increase administrative work for owners who currently list properties seasonally.
The budget paper for 2026-27 allocates £180,000 for the registration database and two additional compliance officers. Residents who use short-term lets for income will experience the first direct impact through the application fee of £120 per property, payable annually. The government says the policy will generate records that allow quicker responses to noise complaints logged with the environmental health team.
Further rollout phases listed in the policy document include mandatory guest record-keeping from July 2027 and spot inspections beginning in September 2027. These stages are expected to affect an estimated 850 properties in the Notting Hill area based on current platform listings reviewed by the council.