Yusuf, 32, has lived in a privately‑rented block in Soho since 2017. Over the past year he says the flat above his has been repeatedly let to short‑term guests, turning his home into what he describes as a hostel‑like environment.
He reports that the thin ceiling lets him hear suitcases rolling, people walking and loud music almost every day. "It's like a hotel or hostel type accommodation. And when I'm paying as much as I'm paying, I don't want to be feeling like that," he said.
The disturbance is most acute at night, forcing Yusuf to leave his home to escape the noise. He has kept a detailed log of incidents dating back to November last year, including early‑morning music and constant coughing and snoring from the flat above.
Short‑term letting rules in Westminster
Westminster permits properties to be let for up to 90 days per calendar year without planning permission, unless the building is council‑owned. The council’s guidance requires short‑term lets to meet standards and not cause excessive disruption to neighbours. Responsibility for preventing noise, antisocial behaviour or waste lies with the short‑letting party, not the guests.
Building context and landlord response
The block contains 11 flats; four are occupied by long‑term tenants. New landlords took over the building at the end of 2023 and have since listed the property on platforms such as Booking.com. After the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) raised concerns, the listing was removed.
Landlords told the LDRS that the flat is used by a small number of responsible guests in line with regulations and that the older building naturally transmits sound. They claim to have offered reasonable mitigation measures, but cooperation with the tenant has been limited and communications broke down after an incident involving noisy guests.
Council investigation
Westminster City Council is investigating the short‑term letting activity at the address, though no enforcement notice has been issued to date.
The situation mirrors complaints in Canadian and American cities where tourism‑driven rentals are on the rise, highlighting the challenge of balancing short‑term accommodation with the rights of permanent residents.