Westminster’s New Selective Licensing Scheme (2025–2030): What Landlords Need to Know
From 24 November 2025, most privately rented homes in 15 Westminster wards will legally require a Selective Licence. Applications open 1 October 2025. The scheme runs for five years, to 23 November 2030.
Who needs a licence?
You’ll need a licence if your property (not already licensed as an HMO) is let to:
• a single household (e.g., a family),
• a single tenant, or
• two sharers,
and it’s in one of the 15 designated wards. Already have an HMO licence? You won’t also need a selective licence for the same property. Certain categories are exempt (e.g., local authority/registered provider stock, specific student halls).
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Where does it apply?
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 still applies there.)
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Key dates
• 1 October 2025 – Online applications open (Council licensing portal).
• 24 November 2025 – Scheme goes live: it becomes an offence to operate a licensable property without a licence.
• 24 Nov 2025 – 23 Nov 2030 – Scheme duration.
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Fees & discounts
Standard fee: £995 per property, paid in two parts: Part A £543 (on application) and Part B £452 (on grant). Available discounts include:
• 10% off for accredited landlords (deducted from Part B)
• EPC C: 10% off Part B; EPC B+: 20% off Part B
• Multi-dwelling (same block, same owner/manager, concurrent submissions): £125 off Part B
• Registered charities (providing for vulnerable people): 100% discount (Parts A & B)
See the council’s full schedule for conditions.
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Licence conditions (what you’ll be expected to show)
Expect to evidence and maintain, among other things:
• Annual Gas Safety (where applicable)
• EICR every 5 years (electrical safety)
• Smoke & CO alarms installed and kept in working order
• Property maintenance and hazard management
• Tenant referencing steps
• Waste & ASB management measures
A full set of conditions is published by the council.
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Enforcement & penalties - the risks of not complying.
Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to:
• Civil penalties up to £30,000 per offence or prosecution
• Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months’ rent)
• Inability to serve a Section 21 notice while unlicensed
• Possible addition to the Rogue Landlord Database
These powers apply once the scheme is live. Apply early to avoid backlogs.
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How to apply
Applications are made online via Westminster’s licensing portal from 1 October 2025. Prepare your safety certificates and supporting documents in advance to streamline approval.
Why Westminster is introducing this
The designations target areas with poor housing conditions (Designation 1) and areas with poor conditions plus persistent ASB (Designation 2). The goal is to raise standards, improve management, and protect tenants while levelling the field for compliant landlords.
How we can help
• Ward & scheme check: Confirm if your property needs a selective licence (or HMO licensing).
• Document audit: Gas/EICR/EPC/alarms, tenancy docs, ASB/waste plans.
• Application support: Prepare submissions, track progress, and manage renewals.
• Portfolio strategy: Discounts (accreditation, EPC), block/portfolio submissions, and ongoing compliance.
Quick FAQ
Does this replace HMO licensing?
No. Mandatory and additional HMO licensing continue borough-wide. Selective licensing covers non-HMO lets in the designated wards.
Will every flat in a block need its own licence?
Yes—one licence per dwelling that’s being privately rented (subject to exemptions/discounts noted above).
Is this confirmed?
Yes—the scheme and the two legal Designations were made on 24 June 2025 and come into force 24 November 2025, for five years.
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