Westminster Rental Property Licensing

From 24 November 2025, Westminster City Council will introduce a Selective Property Licensing (SPL) scheme to improve housing standards and ensure privately rented homes are safe, well-managed, and in good condition.

The scheme applies to most privately rented properties in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards. Landlords letting homes to a single household or two unrelated sharers in these areas must obtain a licence to continue renting legally.

Properties already licensed as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under mandatory or additional schemes are exempt. Certain categories, such as registered providers and some student accommodation, are also excluded.

Why is the scheme being introduced?

• Raise housing standards and tackle poor property conditions.
• Protect tenants by ensuring safety and proper management.
• Support responsible landlords and create fair competition.
• Address anti-social behaviour (ASB) linked to rental properties.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 1 October 2025
• Licence requirement starts: 24 November 2025
• Duration: Up to 5 years (expected until 23 November 2030)

Areas Covered

• Designation 1 (8 wards): Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park, Westbourne.
• Designation 2 (7 wards): Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park, West End.
• Not included: Pimlico South, St James’s, Vincent Square (HMO licensing may still apply).

Which Properties Need a Licence?

• Privately rented homes in designated wards.
• Let to a single household or two sharers.
• Not already licensed as an HMO.
• Exemptions include registered providers, some student halls, and lodger arrangements where the landlord occupies the property and shares facilities.

Licence Application & Fees

• Apply online via the Council’s portal from 1 October 2025.
• Fee: £995 per property (split into Part A £543 on application and Part B £452 on grant).
• Discounts:
• Accredited landlord: 10% off total fee (£99.50).
• EPC rating B+: 20% off Part B (£90.40); EPC C: 10% off Part B (£45.20).
• Multiple properties in same freehold block: £125 off Part B.
• Registered charities housing vulnerable people: 100% discount (still must apply).

Licence Conditions

Landlords must maintain compliance throughout the licence term:

• Valid Gas Safety Certificate (annual).
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years.
• Smoke alarms on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Property kept in good repair and free from serious hazards.
• Tenant referencing before granting a tenancy.
• Waste disposal arrangements and ASB management measures.

What Does It Mean for Tenants?

• Your landlord must hold a valid licence for your property from 24 November 2025.
• You can expect minimum standards of safety, maintenance, and management.
• Ask your landlord or agent for proof of the licence.
• If you suspect your property is unlicensed, contact the Council’s licensing team.
• You may be eligible for remedies such as a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) if your landlord fails to comply.

Landlord Checklist

1. Check if your property is in a designated ward (use the Council’s ward finder).
2. Confirm if your property falls under the scheme (private rented, single household/two sharers, not HMO).
3. Apply online from 1 October 2025 and pay Part A fee.
4. Prepare required documents: gas safety, EICR, proof of address, EPC.
5. Ensure property meets licence conditions and maintain compliance.
6. Apply for discounts where eligible.
7. Keep records and cooperate with inspections.
8. Understand penalties for non-compliance.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Operating without a licence is a criminal offence. Penalties include:

• Civil fines up to £30,000.
• Unlimited court fines.
• Rent Repayment Orders.
• Inability to serve a valid Section 21 notice.

Implications & Practical Tips

• Landlords: Budget for fees and any property upgrades; apply early to avoid delays.
• Tenants: Request proof of licence and report concerns to the Council.
• Both parties should keep records of safety certificates, inspections, and communications.
• The Council may inspect properties during the licence term.

Further Information

• Email: propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk
• Website: westminster.gov.uk/selective-property-licensing

This article is for informational purposes. Always seek professional advice before making any property decisions.