Westminster Council investigates Soho short-term let after noise complaints

Westminster City Council has opened an investigation into a short-term let in a Soho apartment block after a resident reported months of noise disturbances. Yusuf, who has lived in the building since 2017, said the flat above his home has been let to guests, leaving him unable to sleep or build relationships with neighbours.

Yusuf told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he now spends nights walking the streets of Westminster to escape the noise. He said the ceiling is so thin that he can hear suitcases rolling, loud music and slamming doors almost every day. The LDRS has seen his personal log of disturbances, which dates back to November 2023.

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90-day rule and council response

In Westminster, properties can be let for up to 90 days a year without planning permission. The council’s guidance states that short-term lets must not cause excessive disruption to neighbours through noise, antisocial behaviour or waste. Responsibility for compliance lies with the person letting the property, not the guests.

A Westminster City Council spokesperson confirmed to the LDRS that an investigation is underway at the address. No enforcement notice has been served, and no fault has been found at this stage. The council did not provide a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion.

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Landlord and resident dispute

The landlords of the property told the LDRS that the flat was used by a small number of responsible guests in compliance with regulations. They acknowledged that the building is old and noise travels easily, but said they had offered mitigation measures to Yusuf. They added that cooperation from all parties is needed for such measures to work.

With respect to noise, the building is an older structure where sound naturally travels. We have always been willing to implement reasonable mitigation measures, and we have offered these to the downstairs neighbour.

Landlord of the property, speaking to the LDRS

Yusuf said communications with the landlords have broken down. He claimed that after one incident where the landlord brought noisy guests to the flat, a tense conversation took place. He also said the turnover of short-term guests prevents him from establishing a dialogue about noise levels.

Impact on community

The apartment block contains 11 flats, four of which are occupied by long-term tenants. Yusuf said the cycle of short-term guests disrupts the sense of community in the building. He told the LDRS that each short-term let reduces the number of permanent residents who contribute to the neighbourhood.

After the LDRS contacted the landlord, the property appeared to be unavailable on Booking.com. It is unclear whether this was a temporary or permanent change.

What happens next

Westminster City Council’s investigation is ongoing. If the council finds evidence of excessive disruption or a breach of the 90-day rule, it could issue an enforcement notice. Residents affected by short-term lets can report concerns to the council’s planning enforcement team.