Residents fume as pop-up parties and brothels appear under temporary lets in Westminster

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

Locals have been left terrified as pop-up parties and even an alleged temporary brothel have appeared on their doorsteps.

As many as one in three residents in the West End has complained about a short-term letting nearby.

Westminster City Council is currently investigating 2,000 breaches of short-term let rules as properties are allegedly rented out for drug dealing and temporary brothels.

Since lockdown was lifted the council has had an increased number of complaints about noise, rowdy parties, serious overcrowding, dumping rubbish and even sex work occurring at nightly lets.

Residents in Lisson Grove in Marylebone have even complained that an alleged brothel and drug dealing spot has been set up on their doorsteps.

On Melbcombe Street, one resident has been forced to wear earplugs to sleep at night after four apartments in their building were transformed into short-term lets and started hosting parties.

A neighbour at the time told the council: “There’s nothing desirable about having a commercial enterprise doing business in a quiet residential street that is now at my front door.

“I now find myself next to a ‘party house’ with our narrow street clogged by extra vehicles and fearing now to even answer my door.”

The council wants to be able to ban landlords from setting up short-term lets in certain areas, and it also wants to fine owners for allowing parties and antisocial behaviour to take place.

It is calling for a registration scheme so the council can stop certain areas from becoming overwhelmed with short term lets.

Other cities such as Paris and Amsterdam already have similar powers.

Westminster City Council leader Rachael Robathan said: “We absolutely support responsible short-term letting and recognise that it is one of the most flexible and affordable options for people who want to visit central London – especially as Westminster City Council is working hard to bring tourism back to London.

“But, I strongly believe that this must be done in such a way as to also protect the interests of residents.

“Many short-term let properties are causing a strain on council resources and making life hell for many of our residents who constantly complain to us about the detrimental effect they are having.

“Ultimately, we need more restrictions and powers given to us as a local authority to tackle short-term letting anti-social behaviour impacting our communities.”

Pictured: Google Streetview