Westminster City Council has joined the growing number of London boroughs in introducing a Selective Licensing scheme for privately rented properties. It brings one of London's most prominent central boroughs into a comprehensive regulatory framework in a move that will affect thousands of landlords across central London.
If you let a property in Westminster, here is what you need to know.
What is Selective Licensing?
Read MoreWandsworth Council is the latest London borough to introduce new property licensing requirements for landlords, effective from 1 July 2025. In addition to the existing Mandatory HMO Licensing, Wandsworth has now rolled out Additional and Selective Licensing schemes, aimed at improving housing standards and ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities.
Holding the correct property licence is a legal requirement and demonstrates that the property is suitable for occupation and managed to an acceptable standard.
Here’s what you need to know about each type of licence, why they’re necessary and how we can support you with the application process.
If you're a landlord in the UK, Making Tax Digital (MTD) is something you’ll want to be aware of — especially with the need to be paper-free by April 2026.
While the changes have been delayed several times, the government’s aim is clear: to move away from annual paper returns and bring the tax system into the digital age.
What is Making Tax Digital?
MTD is HMRC’s initiative to digitise tax reporting, making it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right.
For landlords, it means keeping digital records of rental income and expenses, and sending quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.
Read MoreThe Renters’ Rights Bill proposes significant changes to the private rented sector, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies. This shift means tenants will have greater flexibility, but it also presents potential challenges for landlords. Additionally, changes to how rent increases are handled will impact both parties.
What Does the End of Fixed-Term Tenancies Mean?
Under the proposed changes, all tenancies will become open-ended, meaning tenants can leave at any time as long as they provide two months’ notice. This means that, in theory, a tenant could move in and immediately serve notice, leaving after two months.
When similar changes were introduced in Scotland in 2017, some tenants took advantage of this flexibility
Read MoreWhat is Section 21?
Section 21 is a legal provision in the Housing Act 1988 that allows landlords to evict tenants in England without providing a reason, as long as the correct process is followed. This is often referred to as a ‘no-fault eviction.’
Under Section 21, landlords must give tenants at least two months’ notice in writing. If the tenant does not leave after this period, the landlord can apply for a possession order through the courts.
Section 21 was introduced to encourage investment in the private rented sector (PRS) by giving landlords confidence that they could regain possession of their properties when needed. Section 21 evictions have generally been faster and
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