Westminster City Council’s Selective Property Licensing

Westminster City Council’s Selective Property Licensing – how will it affect me?

An important change in the private rented sector (PRS) due to take effect this year could have significant implications for both landlords and tenants in London. Selective Property Licensing will operate across 15 wards run by Westminster City Council, and the scheme kicks in in November 2025. (Although you can apply from 1 October via the authority’s licensing portal.)

Here, we look at how it could affect you.

Privately rented homes in 15 of the 18 wards of Westminster City Council will require a licence from 24 November as a legal obligation. All properties are covered by the scheme except for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which are separately licensed, some student halls of residence and properties let by housing associations or local authorities. Westminster says the scheme is aimed at tackling poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour.

Landlords must apply for licences prior to renting out a house or flat, whether they’re letting to a single household, such as a family, a single tenant or two people sharing a home.

Read more about particular areas the scheme covers here. The three wards which are NOT covered are Pimlico South, St James’ and Vincent Square.

The total fee of £995 is payable in two installments. Part A (£543) is paid when you apply and is non-refundable. Part B (£452) is payable once Westminster has approved your application – and the final licence is only issued on receipt of payment. It then remains valid typically for five years.

Some discounts apply for charities and those with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of C or B or above. Learn more here and see the full schedule of fees and discounts here. 

Under the scheme, you’ll have to comply with certain licence conditions – including concerning gas and electrical safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, maintenance and waste management. You’ll also have to take ‘reasonable steps’ to get references for new tenants and address any issues of anti-social behaviour. Read the Selective Licensing conditions in full here.

Landlords who don’t have a valid licence will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence. Plus you could face a hefty £30,000 fine, a rent repayment order, prosecution and an unlimited fine – or you could be added to the national Rogue Landlord Database.

You can also expect occasional inspections of the properties you let out during the life of your licence, to ensure compliance.

Westminster says the scheme will safeguard tenants from poor practice and encourage landlord accountability while speeding up resolution of any problems.

For landlords, the council says the scheme will reduce unfair competition, provide clear guidance on legal and management standards and make places more attractive to dependable, long-term tenants who are seeking well-managed homes.

The council also says it will act as a supportive partner and help advise landlords on meeting their obligations while adopting a multi-agency approach to issues such as anti-social behaviour. Available support will include online guidance, forums and dop-in sessions for landlords, training in how to apply for a licence and updates via social media and newsletters.

Talk to McGlashans about Westminster licensing

Launched in 1988, family-run McGlashans specialises in high-end properties in central London. As an independent agent, we tailor our services to the needs of individual clients to provide a highly bespoke service based on core value of honesty, trust and integrity.

We can help with lettings, sales and block management. We’re also very happy to talk to our landlord clients about this new licensing scheme from Westminster City Council. Get in touch today to learn more.