Selective Licensing Has Arrived in Westminster
/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?
Selective licensing requires landlords to obtain a licence for each privately rented property they manage in a designated area. The aim is to raise housing standards, tackle anti-social behaviour, and hold landlords accountable for the condition and management of their properties.
Which Properties Are Affected?
The scheme covers 15 of Westminster's 18 wards and applies to all privately rented properties let to a single household — including those occupied by one person, a couple, or two sharers. The three wards not included in the current scheme are Pimlico South, St James, and Vincent Square.
The 15 covered wards are split across two designations:
Designation 1: Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen's Park, Westbourne
Designation 2: Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent's Park, West End
Westminster's ward finder can confirm whether your property falls within a designated area.
Are Any Properties Exempt?
Yes. Properties already licensed under mandatory or additional HMO schemes do not require a separate selective licence. Other exemptions include properties let by housing associations or local authorities, and certain student halls of residence.
If you let non-HMO properties in addition to any HMO-licensed ones, those will still need a selective licence if they fall within a designated ward.
How Long Does a Licence Last?
Licences are typically granted for up to five years, running from 24 November 2025 to 23 November 2030, unless compliance concerns warrant a shorter term.
What Does a Licence Cost?
The standard licence fee is £995 per property, payable in two parts: £543 on application (Part A) and £452 once the licence is granted (Part B). Note that the Part A fee is non-refundable if an application is withdrawn or refused.
Several discounts are available:
Accredited landlord: 10% off the total fee (£99.50)
EPC rating B or above: 20% off Part B (£90.40)
EPC rating C: 10% off Part B (£45.20)
Multiple leaseholds within the same freehold: £125 off Part B per additional property
For landlords with larger portfolios in the same building, the multi-dwelling discount can represent a meaningful saving — provided applications are submitted simultaneously.
What Are the Licence Conditions?
Licence holders must meet standards relating to property safety, maintenance, tenancy management, and handling of anti-social behaviour. Westminster will carry out inspections during the licence period, and may also inspect in response to complaints.
Who Can Hold the Licence?
Either the landlord or a managing agent can hold the licence, provided the named holder is deemed "fit and proper" and has control of the property. For landlords based overseas, a UK-based managing agent must be nominated. Only one licence is needed per property.
What Are the Consequences of Not Applying?
Operating a licensable property without a valid licence is a criminal offence. The consequences can be severe:
A civil penalty of up to £30,000
Prosecution and an unlimited fine
A Rent Repayment Order, allowing tenants or the council to reclaim up to 12 months' rent
Inability to serve a valid Section 21 notice while the property remains unlicensed
Addition to the national Rogue Landlord Database
How Maplewood Can Help
As a managing agent operating in Westminster, we can hold a licence on your behalf, ensure your property meets the required standards, and manage the application process for you — including coordinating multi-property submissions to take advantage of available discounts.
If you'd like to discuss how the scheme affects your property or portfolio, get in touch to book a call with us.