Westminster Landlord Licensing
Westminster Council operates three property licensing schemes covering nearly the entire borough. Selective licensing has been live since November 24, 2025 — covering 15 of 18 wards across two designations. If you rent out property in Westminster, you almost certainly need a licence.
Scheme Already Live — Are You Licensed?
Westminster selective licensing has been in force since November 24, 2025. The council can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 (effective 1 May 2026) without any prior warning. Unlicensed landlords also cannot serve Section 21 eviction notices. If you haven’t applied yet, do so immediately.
Three Licensing Schemes
Selective Licensing
Applies to all privately rented properties in 15 of 18 wards across two designations. Not just HMOs — any rented property in covered wards needs a licence.
Part A £543 + Part B £452
Part A: Non-refundable if refused/rejected/withdrawn
Part B: Auto-debited after assessment
Coverage: 15 of 18 wards (2 designations)
Runs until: 23 November 2030
Additional HMO Licensing
Applies borough-wide to HMOs with 3 or more unrelated sharers. Covers smaller HMOs not caught by mandatory licensing.
+ £68 per letting over 5
Discount: 10% for accredited landlords/agents
Coverage: Borough-wide
Live since: 30 August 2021
Mandatory HMO Licensing
Required nationally for HMOs with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households. Westminster has an estimated 425 unlicensed mandatory HMOs.
+ £68 per additional property (6+)
Discount: 10% for accredited landlords/agents
Licensed: 272 properties (Nov 2024)
Selective Licensing Wards
Designation 1 — Housing Conditions
8 wards with the worst private-rented housing conditions
Designation 2 — Anti-Social Behaviour
7 wards with anti-social behaviour concerns linked to private rentals
Wards Excluded from Selective Licensing (3 of 18)
Only these 3 wards are exempt from selective licensing. All other wards require a selective licence for private rentals.
Available Discounts
Accredited landlord/agent
10% off total
£99.50 off Part B
EPC rating B or above
20% off Part B
£90.40 saving
EPC rating C
10% off Part B
£45.20 saving
Multiple leaseholds
£125 off Part B
Same block, same owner
Registered charity
100% fee waiver
Housing vulnerable persons only
Key Dates
Required Compliance Documents
Annual renewal required
Every 5 years minimum
Minimum E rating required
Single: 6.51m² / Double: 10.22m²
Penalties
Civil penalty
Up to £40,000
Without any prior warning (effective 1 May 2026)
Prosecution
Unlimited fine
Criminal record
Rent Repayment Order
Up to 12 months
Tenants can reclaim rent
Section 21 blocked
No evictions
Cannot evict while unlicensed
Westminster Licensing in Numbers
272
Mandatory HMO licences (Nov 2024)
2,062
Additional HMO licences (Nov 2024)
~9,425
Estimated unlicensed properties
1,458
Accredited landlords (Jan 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Westminster selective licensing start?
How much does a Westminster selective licence cost?
Which wards need a selective licence?
What is the difference between the two designations?
Does Westminster have additional HMO licensing?
What about mandatory HMO licensing?
What happens if I don’t get a licence?
Can I still rent out my property while waiting for my licence?
What compliance documents do I need?
Are there any discounts available?
Get Your Compliance Certificates
You need gas safety, EICR, fire risk assessment, and EPC certificates to apply for a Westminster licence. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.