Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Westminster?

London Borough of Westminster currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.

How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Westminster?

Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Westminster are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing Scheme: £1,540; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,540; Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 1: £995; Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 2: £995; Additional HMO Licensing Scheme – Renewal (Proposed/Pending): £1,540. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.

Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Westminster?

Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Westminster. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Westminster for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.

What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Westminster?

Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Enhanced research coverage

Landlord licensing in London Borough of Westminster

London

We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.

Council website

Licensing scorecard

Enhanced coverage

Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.

Selective licensing

Active selective

Additional HMO licensing

Active additional

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies across England

Source confidence: High
Boundary confidence: Low
Public register: Clear searchable register (1/5)
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026
Next review due: Not scheduled
Sources recorded: 16

Open the official council source

Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.

Recommended next step

Verify the position with the official council source

Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Check the official council source Get a written property licensing check

What still adds uncertainty

At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.

Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.

Verify with the council

Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with London Borough of Westminster.

Verify on official council licensing page Council website Report an inaccuracy

Council updates

Get updates for London Borough of Westminster

We will email you if London Borough of Westminster introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.

Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you need more than the council page

This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.

Property Licensing Check

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Alerts and monitoring

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A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.

See alerts and monitoring

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

Check a postcode in London Borough of Westminster

Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.

Local licensing scheme records

Additional LicensingActive

Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme covering HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing. Applies to shared houses or flats where 3 or more people from 2 or more households share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Includes purpose-built flats in blocks of 3 or more that are HMOs. Originally included Section 257 HMOs but these were withdrawn from scope on 1 October 2021. Cabinet approved renewal of the scheme on 16 March 2026 ('Recommendations Approved subject to call-in'); the new designation details/start date were not yet publicly published as of 25 March 2026.

HMO licence fee: £1,540
Fee guide: Same fee structure as mandatory HMO licensing: Part A £855 at application; Part B £685 on grant. Additional £68 per letting for properties with more than 5 lettings. For very large HMOs (over 25 lettings) payment is capped at 25 lettings at application. Registered charities exempt from fees. Proposed renewal scheme (post-August 2026) expected to maintain £1,540 fee per the consultation documentation. 10% discount for LLAS-accredited landlords or equivalent professional body members. NRLA members also eligible for 10% discount. Discount forfeited if unlicensed HMO is brought to the council's attention.
Discount available: 10% discount for LLAS-accredited landlords or equivalent professional body members. NRLA members also eligible for 10% discount. Discount forfeited if unlicensed HMO is brought to the council's attention.
Scheme period: 30 August 2021 - 29 August 2026
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Designation made 23 April 2021; came into force 30 August 2021. The end date of 31 August 2026 stated in the original public notice was acknowledged as an error; correct end date is 30 August 2026. Since 2021 the scheme improved over 900 HMOs and protected over 12,000 tenants. The council estimates around 1,784 unlicensed HMOs remain. As of November 2024 approximately 2,062 properties held additional licences. A renewal consultation ran 27 August – 12 November 2025. Westminster Cabinet decision (16 March 2026) approved renewal recommendations subject to call-in. The proposed renewed scheme would again be borough-wide and exclude Section 257 HMOs. Property types covered: Shared houses occupied by 3 or more persons from 2 or more households (below mandatory threshold),Flat shares with 3 or more persons from 2 or more households sharing facilities,Bedsits occupied by 3 or more persons from 2 or more households,HMOs in purpose-built blocks of flats with 3 or more units occupied by 3 or more persons from 2 or more households (where not covered by mandatory scheme). Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already subject to mandatory HMO licensing Section 257 HMOs (buildings fully converted into self-contained flats with no shared facilities) - excluded from scope since 1 October 2021 via partial revocation Properties managed or controlled by a local housing authority or registered social landlord Properties subject to an Interim or Final Management Order.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 1

First of two selective licensing designations approved by Westminster Cabinet on 19 May 2025. Covers 8 wards with the highest concentration of poor housing conditions. Applies to all privately rented properties let to a single household or up to two unrelated sharers, excluding HMOs already licensed under mandatory or additional licensing schemes.

Licence fee: £995
Fee guide: Total fee £995. Split into Part A (£543 at application, non-refundable, covers processing) and Part B (£452 payable after approval before licence issued, covers enforcement). Licence will not be issued until full fee is paid. Applications opened 1 October 2025. Accredited landlord (LLAS or equivalent): 10% off total fee (£99.50, deducted from Part B). EPC rating B or above: 20% off Part B (£90.40). EPC rating C: 10% off Part B (£45.20). Multiple leaseholds in same freehold block (same ownership/management, concurrent submissions): £125 off Part B. Registered charities providing accommodation solely for vulnerable persons: 100% discount (Parts A and B), but must still apply for a licence.
Discount available: Accredited landlord (LLAS or equivalent): 10% off total fee (£99.50, deducted from Part B). EPC rating B or above: 20% off Part B (£90.40). EPC rating C: 10% off Part B (£45.20). Multiple leaseholds in same freehold block (same ownership/management, concurrent submissions): £125 off Part B. Registered charities providing accommodation solely for vulnerable persons: 100% discount (Parts A and B), but must still apply for a licence.
Scheme period: 24 November 2025 - 23 November 2030
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Applications accepted from 1 October 2025 via Westminster's MetaStreet licensing portal. Cabinet approved the scheme on 19 May 2025. The council accepted up to 8 new applications in a single card transaction for multi-property submissions. Overseas landlords must nominate a UK-based managing agent. Contact for selective licensing: propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk. Property types covered: All privately rented properties let to a single household,Properties let to a single tenant,Properties let to two unrelated sharers (who do not form an HMO),Properties let as a family home. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already holding a mandatory HMO licence Properties already holding an additional HMO licence Housing association and registered social landlord properties Local authority housing Certain student halls of residence Properties occupied by the owner Registered charities providing accommodation solely for vulnerable persons (fee-exempt but must still apply).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 2

Second of two selective licensing designations, covering 7 wards that suffer from persistent anti-social behaviour in addition to poor housing conditions. Same property type coverage and conditions as Designation 1. Together the two designations cover 15 of Westminster's 18 wards (all except Pimlico South, St James's, and Vincent Square).

Licence fee: £995
Fee guide: Identical fee structure to Designation 1: Part A £543 at application; Part B £452 on licence grant. Total £995. Same discounts as Designation 1: 10% accredited landlord discount; 20% off Part B for EPC B+; 10% off Part B for EPC C; £125 off Part B for multiple leaseholds in same freehold block; 100% discount for registered charities housing vulnerable persons.
Discount available: Same discounts as Designation 1: 10% accredited landlord discount; 20% off Part B for EPC B+; 10% off Part B for EPC C; £125 off Part B for multiple leaseholds in same freehold block; 100% discount for registered charities housing vulnerable persons.
Scheme period: 24 November 2025 - 23 November 2030
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: See council website for boundaries

Research notes

Three wards not included in either selective licensing designation: Pimlico South, St James's, and Vincent Square. These wards remain unlicensed for selective purposes, though mandatory and additional HMO licensing still apply borough-wide. The combined effect of the two selective licensing designations alongside the HMO licensing schemes means that the vast majority of Westminster's estimated 56,000 private rented properties (43% of all residential accommodation) now require some form of licensing. Property types covered: All privately rented properties let to a single household,Properties let to a single tenant,Properties let to two unrelated sharers (who do not form an HMO),Properties let as a family home. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already holding a mandatory HMO licence Properties already holding an additional HMO licence Housing association and registered social landlord properties Local authority housing Certain student halls of residence Properties occupied by the owner Registered charities providing accommodation solely for vulnerable persons (fee-exempt but must still apply).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Additional LicensingProposed

Additional HMO Licensing Scheme – Renewal (Proposed/Pending)

Westminster Cabinet approved renewal recommendations on 16 March 2026 (subject to call-in period). The new designation is expected to replace the existing scheme when it expires on 30 August 2026. Borough-wide coverage is proposed, excluding Section 257 HMOs. Formal designation and start date had not been publicly confirmed as of 25 March 2026.

HMO licence fee: £1,540
Fee guide: Proposed fee of £1,540 for a five-year licence, as stated in the renewal consultation documentation. Discounts for accredited landlords and NRLA members. 10% discount proposed for accredited landlords (LLAS or equivalent) and NRLA members.
Discount available: 10% discount proposed for accredited landlords (LLAS or equivalent) and NRLA members.
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Renewal consultation ran 27 August – 12 November 2025. Westminster City Council ModernGov portal shows Cabinet decision dated 16/03/2026 with status 'Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)'. The call-in period must expire before the decision is final. Precise designation date and commencement date for the new scheme were not yet publicly available as of 25 March 2026. Property types covered: Shared houses and flats with 3 or more persons from 2 or more households sharing facilities,Purpose-built blocks of flats occupied as HMOs with 3 or more persons from 2 or more households. Exemptions or exclusions: Section 257 HMOs (fully converted self-contained flats with no shared facilities) - proposed exclusion confirmed in consultation Properties already subject to mandatory HMO licensing.

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Public licensing register

Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.

Public register found: Yes
Search method: Search online
Register usability: Clear searchable register (1/5)

HMOAdditionalSelective

Appears to cover HMO, additional and selective licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.

Register notes

Westminster maintains its public register via the MetaStreet property licensing platform at westminster.metastreet.co.uk/public-register. The register covers all licences issued under the mandatory and additional HMO schemes. Properties whose applications are still being processed do not yet appear on the register - only issued licences are listed. The Housing Act 2004 requires every local authority to maintain this public register including any Temporary Exemption Notices and Interim/Final Management Orders. Selective licences are also expected to appear on the same platform. Contact Westminster via webform at https://webforms.westminster.gov.uk/privately-rented-housing-conditions/ for register queries.

Open the public register

The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.

Research summary

These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.

Last reviewed

27 March 2026

Research confidence

High (79/100)

Sources checked

Research notes

Westminster's official website pages were directly accessible and provided authoritative fee data, scheme dates, and ward details. Third-party sources (London Property Licensing, Kamma, LandlordZone, Maskells, Tuckerman Residential) corroborate all key figures. The SelectiveLicensing designation structure (two designations covering 15 wards), fees, discounts, and HMO fees are confirmed from multiple official and third-party sources. The additional licensing renewal decision on 16 March 2026 was confirmed via Westminster's ModernGov decision tracker. The only notable gap is the precise new start date of the renewed additional licensing scheme, which had not been formally published as of 25 March 2026.

Council contact details

Email: hmo@westminster.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7641 6161
Address: Private Sector Housing Team, Westminster City Council, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP

Important to verify

Precise start date and end date for the renewed additional HMO licensing scheme (Cabinet approved renewal 16 March 2026 but formal designation date not yet published)
Confirmation of whether selective licences appear on the MetaStreet public register in the same way as HMO licences
Detailed licence conditions and amenity standards for selective licensing
Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.

Supporting sources

Mandatory HMO licensing

All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from London Borough of Westminster.

Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with London Borough of Westminster.

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Borough-wide mandatory scheme under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 (national scheme). Applies to all HMOs occupied by 5 or more persons forming 2 or more households who share facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms. Covers shared houses, bedsits, and mixed buildings with non-self-contained units.

HMO fee guide: £1,540
Fee notes: Fee effective from 1 April 2025. Split into Part A (£855 at application) and Part B (£685 on licence grant). For Section 254 HMOs with more than 5 lettings, an additional £68 per letting is charged. For very large HMOs (over 25 lettings) payment is capped at 25 lettings at application, with balance due after inspection. Registered charities providing accommodation for vulnerable persons are exempt from fees but must still apply. 10% discount for landlords accredited with the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) or equivalent professional trade organisations. Discount is forfeited if the landlord failed to apply and the unlicensed HMO was brought to the council's attention. NRLA members also eligible for 10% discount.
Typical licence term: Up to 5 years

As of November 2024, approximately 272 properties held mandatory HMO licences; the council estimated around 425 mandatory HMOs were unlicensed. Applications and management handled through Westminster's MetaStreet licensing portal at https://westminster.metastreet.co.uk/. Contact: hmo@westminster.gov.uk. Property types covered: Shared houses occupied by 5 or more persons from 2 or more households,Bedsits with shared facilities occupied by 5 or more persons,Converted buildings (non-self-contained) occupied by 5 or more persons from 2 or more households. Exemptions or exclusions: Purpose-built self-contained flats in blocks of 3 or more flats - these should apply for Additional HMO licensing instead Properties managed or controlled by a local housing authority or registered social landlord.

View HMO licensing info on council website

Other compliance requirements

In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts

View full compliance checklist →

Common questions about licensing in London Borough of Westminster

Do I need a landlord licence in London Borough of Westminster?: London Borough of Westminster currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
How much does a property licence cost in London Borough of Westminster?: Based on our current data, licence fees in London Borough of Westminster are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing Scheme: £1,540; Mandatory HMO Licensing: £1,540; Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 1: £995; Selective Licensing Scheme – Designation 2: £995; Additional HMO Licensing Scheme – Renewal (Proposed/Pending): £1,540. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in London Borough of Westminster?: Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including London Borough of Westminster. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to London Borough of Westminster for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
What happens if I rent without a licence in London Borough of Westminster?: Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you

Use these routes to move from the London Borough of Westminster summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.

Landlord with a standard let→

Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.

Shared occupancy or possible HMO→

Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.

Check if a property has an HMO licence→

Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.

Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→

Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.

Letting agent or portfolio manager→

Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.

Understand selective licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.

Understand additional licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.

Need the local HMO route→

Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.

Tenant checking landlord compliance→

Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.

Important disclaimer

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.