Published:
28 November 2025
Westminster City Council has officially launched a major Selective Licensing scheme covering most of the city, a key step in raising housing standards and protecting tenants in the private rented sector. The scheme applies to privately rented homes let to single families or up to two individual tenants in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards. It does not apply to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that are already licensed under existing schemes.
From 24 November landlords operating in designated areas must apply for a licence to legally rent out their properties. The scheme is designed to tackle poor housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure that all privately rented homes are safe and well-managed.
Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, said:
" Westminster has one of the largest private rented housing sectors in England and the number of privately rented properties continues to grow. With the ongoing national housing crisis, an increased shortage of social housing, and home ownership unobtainable for many, it’s never been more important to ensure that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes.
“We know that while many landlords provide good quality and safe homes, too many residents are living in substandard and sometimes dangerous conditions. Selective licensing gives us the tools to intervene and support both tenants and landlords."
Under the new scheme, landlords must meet specific standards relating to property safety, tenancy agreements, and management practices. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, including fines or legal proceedings.
To support the rollout, the council is hosting a series of free events where residents, landlords, and letting agents can learn more about the scheme and how to register for an event.
Attendees will hear directly from council officers, learn how to apply for a licence, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
For full details on the scheme, events, including how to apply for a licence and which areas are covered, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/selective-licensing
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Mandatory HMO licensing scheme has operated since 2006
- Additional HMO licensing scheme has operated since 2021
- Designation 1 consists of eight wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions
- Abbey Road
- Church Street
- Harrow Road
- Knightsbridge and Belgravia
- Little Venice
- Maida Vale
- Queen’s Park
- Westbourne
- Designation 2 consists of seven wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions, in addition to significant and persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour linked to private rented housing
- Bayswater
- Hyde Park
- Lancaster Gate
- Marylebone
- Pimlico North
- Regent’s Park
- West End
- The selective licensing scheme excludes properties that are already licensed under Westminster’s existing HMO schemes
- Incentives and discounts will apply to landlords or well managed properties including accredited landlords and energy efficient properties
- The council has five key pillars:
- Fairer Communities
- Fairer Housing
- Fairer Economy
- Fairer Environment
- Fairer Council
- More information about Westminster City Council’s existing licensing schemes for private landlords can be found here.