London · Council licensing
City of Westminster operates discretionary property licensing. Letting an unlicensed property where a scheme applies risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and a rent repayment order — check whether your property is covered below.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities. Check the council for the current fee.
SCHEME OVERVIEW: Westminster City Council operates a SELECTIVE LICENSING scheme that came into force on 24 November 2025 and runs until 23 November 2030 (5-year designation). Westminster City Council confirmed the two designations on 24 June 2025. Applications opened via the council's online portal on 1 October 2025. Operating without a licence in a designated ward has been an offence since 24 November 2025 (source: Tuckerman Residential commentary on Westminster's New Selective Licensing Scheme 2025-2030 and Westminster City Council confirmation, plus NRLA Licensing Updates Nov 2024 and subsequent reports). LEGAL BASIS: Designation under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. The scheme has TWO designations within a single combined scheme: (A) DESIGNATION 1 — 8 wards on grounds of POOR HOUSING CONDITIONS. The council's evidence base shows PRS properties in these wards have high levels of serious hazards above the national average and high levels of anti-social behaviour. (B) DESIGNATION 2 — 7 wards on grounds of poor housing conditions and persistent anti-social behaviour: BAYSWATER, HYDE PARK, LANCASTER GATE, MARYLEBONE, PIMLICO NORTH, REGENT'S PARK, WEST END. NOT INCLUDED: Pimlico South, St James's, Vincent Square (though Mandatory HMO licensing still applies citywide). COMBINED COVERAGE: 15 wards in total across both designations. The scheme is designed to raise standards in areas with poor housing conditions and address ASB. Westminster City Council has published an interactive map allowing landlords to search by postcode or address to confirm whether a specific property falls within the scheme. WHO NEEDS A LICENCE: All privately rented houses or flats occupied by a single household or 2 unrelated sharers within the 15 designated wards. HMOs licensed under Mandatory HMO licensing are exempt. FEES: £995 per property (standard fee). Two-part structure (Part A on application + Part B on grant). Discounts available for accredited landlords and charity properties housing vulnerable occupants. Verify current fees on westminster.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/selective-property-licensing before applying. LICENCE CONDITIONS: Comprehensive — fire safety, gas safety (annual certificate), electrical safety (5-year EICR), structural condition, freedom from serious hazards, management arrangements, anti-social behaviour management, written tenancy agreements, fit and proper person test for licence holder. A full list of conditions is published by Westminster City Council. ENFORCEMENT: Operating an unlicensed property in a designated ward is a criminal offence. Civil financial penalty up to £30,000 per offence. Unlimited fine on conviction. Rent Repayment Orders for up to 12 months' rent (24 months under Renters' Rights Act 2025). Section 21 invalid where unlicensed. CONTACT: westminster.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/selective-property-licensing online application portal.
Areas: 15 of the city's 18 wards
Scheme runs until: 31 December 2027
No additional licensing scheme is currently in force.
Source: City of Westminster licensing page →
A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.
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