Westminster Council has confirmed the introduction of a comprehensive Selective Licensing Scheme effective from 24 November 2025, requiring landlords across 15 of the borough's 18 wards to obtain a licence before letting their properties. As experienced estate agents in the heart of London's prime property market, we recognise that this represents a significant compliance obligation for landlords operating in one of the capital's most prestigious boroughs.
The new scheme extends licensing requirements to virtually all privately rented properties across Westminster, creating one of London's most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for the private rented sector. With licence fees exceeding £1,000 per property, early preparation and accurate application submission will be essential to minimise costs and ensure compliance. We provide below a detailed overview of the requirements and how landlords can navigate this regulatory change effectively.
Scope of the Selective Licensing Scheme
Ward Coverage
The Selective Licensing Scheme will apply across 15 of Westminster's 18 council wards, encompassing the majority of the borough's private rented sector.
Wards Excluded from Selective Licensing
Three wards remain outside the Selective Licensing Scheme:
- Pimlico South
- St James'
- Vincent Square
Landlords in these wards should note that whilst Selective Licensing does not apply, HMO licensing requirements remain in force where applicable.
Which Properties Require a Selective Licence?
The scheme applies broadly across Westminster's private rented sector, capturing most standard tenancy arrangements. A Selective Licence will be required if your property is:
- Rented to a single household – for example, a family occupying the property together
- Let to a single tenant – an individual renting the property alone
- Rented by two individuals sharing – two tenants sharing the accommodation
Properties Already Licensed
Properties that already hold a mandatory or additional HMO licence are excluded from the Selective Licensing requirement, as they operate under separate regulatory frameworks. However, landlords must ensure their HMO licences remain current and compliant.
Licence Fees and Early Application Benefits
The licence fee structure has been set at over £1,000 per property, representing a substantial compliance cost for landlords with multiple properties in Westminster. The Council has indicated that early application discounts will be available, incentivising proactive compliance and reducing the financial burden for landlords who prepare ahead of the deadline.
Late applications or failure to obtain the required licence will result in enforcement action, including financial penalties and potential prosecution. Given the significant costs involved, strategic planning and timely submission are essential.
Objectives of the Selective Licensing Scheme
Westminster Council has implemented this scheme with clear objectives:
- Tackling poor housing conditions – ensuring properties meet acceptable living standards through regular inspection and enforcement
- Reducing anti-social behaviour – holding landlords accountable for tenant conduct and property management
- Targeting rogue landlords – identifying and removing non-compliant operators from the market
- Raising standards – creating a consistent framework for property quality and management practices
The scheme represents one of London's most ambitious attempts to regulate the private rented sector comprehensively, reflecting Westminster's status as a high-demand rental market requiring robust oversight.
How Maskells Can Support Your Licensing Application
As a Maskells client, you can benefit from our comprehensive property licensing service, designed to ensure accurate, timely applications whilst minimising your administrative burden. Our experienced team can handle every aspect of the licensing process on your behalf and help obtaining discounts where applicable.
Why Choose Professional Support?
The complexity of licensing applications, combined with the substantial fees involved, makes professional support a prudent investment:
- Avoid costly errors – incorrect or incomplete applications result in delays and potential penalties
- Maximise early application benefits – we ensure timely submission to capture available discounts
- Reduce your time commitment – focus on your property business whilst we handle regulatory compliance
- Expert knowledge – our team understands Westminster's specific requirements and assessment criteria
- Peace of mind – professional management ensures your properties remain compliant and protected
Our team at Maskells has extensive experience managing property licensing across London's most demanding regulatory environments. Whether you own a single property in Lancaster Gate or manage a substantial portfolio across Westminster's prime addresses, we provide the expertise and support to ensure full compliance whilst protecting your investment.
If you have a property in Westminster that you currently rent out, or wish to rent out, please contact our property management team to discuss how we can support your licensing application and ongoing compliance requirements.
For further information on Westminster Council's Selective Licensing Scheme, visit the Council's dedicated licensing page.