Westminster Supported Living Compliance Requirements | BoroughReady

Q: What licences are required for HMOs in Westminster?

Westminster requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme since 30 August 2021 (5-year scheme) covering HMOs with 3+ unrelated sharers

Q: What are the minimum room sizes in Westminster?

Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Updated standards April 2021.. Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).

Q: How much does an HMO licence cost in Westminster?

The HMO licence fee in Westminster is £1,540 per property (or £1,510 some reports). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.

Q: What fire safety requirements apply in Westminster?

Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.

Q: What documents are needed for compliance in Westminster?

You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme since 30 August 2021 (5-year scheme) covering HMOs with 3+ unrelated sharers

Selective Licensing

Active

15 wards: Abbey Road, Bayswater, Church Street, Harrow Road, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Lancaster Gate, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Queen's Park, Regent's Park, West End, Westbourne (from 24 November 2025)

Article 4 Direction

Not in place

No Article 4 Direction affecting HMO conversions

Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Contact council for assessment.

Property Standards

Minimum Room Sizes

single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person). Updated standards April 2021.

double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)

kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants

living room: Required for larger HMOs

Fire Safety Requirements

Smoke alarms on every floor
Heat detectors in kitchens
Fire doors on escape routes
Fire risk assessment required
Fire safety equipment
Clear escape routes

Required Certificates

Gas Safety

Annual gas safety certificate (CP12)

Electrical Safety

EICR every 5 years minimum

EPC Rating

Minimum E rating required by law. EPC <E risks fines.

Planning Permission

C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.

Additional Requirements

Adequate heating throughout
Hot and cold water
Adequate ventilation
Secure entry systems
Waste management facilities

Required Documents

HMO licence application

Gas safety certificate (CP12)

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Fire risk assessment

Floor plans with measurements

Building insurance certificate

Landlord identity verification

Proof of ownership

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence: £1,540 per property (or £1,510 some reports)
Additional Licence: £1,510 + £68 per letting over 5. Or flat £975 shared/£1,240 s257. 10% accredited discount.
Selective Licence: £995 (£543 Part A + £452 Part B). 10% accredited discount. Free for charities housing vulnerable persons.

Timeline

Licence Processing: 8-12 weeks typical
Typical Setup Time: 4-8 weeks from application to approval

Westminster-Specific Notes

Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, and Selective Licensing
Additional licensing borough-wide since 30 August 2021
Selective licensing starts 24 November 2025 in 15 designated wards
~272 mandatory and ~2,062 additional licences as of November 2024
10% discount for accredited landlords/agents on additional/selective
Free licences for registered charities housing vulnerable persons
No Article 4 Direction affecting HMO conversions
Family homes (all related) exempt from HMO schemes

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Westminster?

Westminster requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme since 30 August 2021 (5-year scheme) covering HMOs with 3+ unrelated sharers

What are the minimum room sizes in Westminster?

Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Updated standards April 2021.. Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).

How much does an HMO licence cost in Westminster?

The HMO licence fee in Westminster is £1,540 per property (or £1,510 some reports). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.

What fire safety requirements apply in Westminster?

Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.

What documents are needed for compliance in Westminster?

You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Westminster Property Licensing Team

propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk

020 7641 6000

Westminster Compliance Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Additional HMO

Selective Licensing

Article 4 Direction

Exempt Accommodation

Property Standards

Minimum Room Sizes

Fire Safety Requirements

Required Certificates

Gas Safety

Electrical Safety

EPC Rating

Planning Permission

Additional Requirements

Required Documents

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

Timeline

Westminster-Specific Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Official Sources

Westminster Compliance Checklist

Licensing

Safety Certificates

Property Standards

Documentation

Need Help?

Providers in Westminster