From 24 November 2025, Westminster City Council will introduce a Selective Licensing Scheme that extends regulation to most privately rented homes in the borough.
If you’re a landlord in Westminster, this means new legal obligations, licensing costs, and stricter property management requirements. Understanding the changes now will help you stay compliant and avoid costly penalties in the future.
The scheme applies to all privately rented properties in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards.
Only Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that already fall under existing licensing rules are exempt.
If your rental property is located in one of the affected wards, you must apply for a licence before continuing to let it legally.
Each licence will cost £995 per property for up to five years, payable in two stages:
£543 at application
£452 when the licence is issued
You may qualify for a discount if:
You’re an accredited landlord
Your property has a strong EPC rating
You manage multiple flats in the same building
You represent a registered charity providing housing for vulnerable tenants (fully exempt)
Holding a licence means you’ll need to meet several compliance and management conditions, including:
Maintaining properties in a safe, good condition, free from hazards
Providing valid safety certificates (e.g., gas, electrical, and smoke alarms)
Managing tenants responsibly, addressing anti-social behaviour promptly
Civil penalties up to £30,000
Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) — tenants can reclaim up to 12 months’ rent, or 24 months once the Renters Reform Bill takes effect
The council’s goal is to improve housing standards and reduce anti-social behaviour. By expanding regulation beyond HMOs, Westminster aims to create a safer, better-managed private rental sector. For responsible landlords, this may mean extra paperwork.
If you rent out property in Westminster:
Check whether your property is located in one of the affected wards.
Apply early — the application portal opened 1 October 2025.
Review your management standards to ensure full compliance.
At Pass the Keys – Mayfair, we specialise in short-let property management across central London. We’re actively tracking the Westminster licensing changes and working to ensure all our clients remain fully compliant. Whether you’re a landlord already in the market or just considering short-term letting, our expert team can help you stay informed, compliant, and profitable.