What Westminster landlords should do before November 2025
Curated by OB Private, Crafted for You
Westminster City Council has confirmed that a new Selective Licensing scheme will come into effect on Monday 24 November 2025. The scheme will run for five years and operate alongside the existing Mandatory and Additional HMO Licensing schemes.
What is Selective Licensing?
Selective Licensing applies to privately rented properties that are not already covered by HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licensing. Under the new rules, a Selective Licence will be required for properties let to a single occupant, two individuals sharing, or one household (for example, a family), provided the property is located within one of Westminster’s designated wards.
Which areas are affected?
The scheme applies to privately rented homes within Abbey Road, Bayswater, Church Street, Harrow Road, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Lancaster Gate, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Queen’s Park, Regent’s Park, Westbourne and the West End.
What landlords need to know
Letting a licensable property without the correct licence is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine on conviction or a civil penalty of up to £30,000.
Applications will open on 1 October 2025. Westminster City Council will release full guidance, including details of the standards and conditions required, in advance.
Preparing for next steps
Managing the process yourself?
If you intend to apply independently, we recommend reviewing Westminster’s Selective Licence Standards and Conditions in detail before submitting your application. Once submitted, please notify us so that we can update our records.
Prefer complete support?
If your property is not under our full management service and you would rather avoid the administrative and regulatory burden, our fully managed option ensures total compliance and peace of mind.
For further details, Westminster’s Private Sector Housing team can be contacted directly at propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk or +44 (0)20 7641 6161
OB Private is here to support you. To discuss licensing, management, or any aspect of your property portfolio, please get in touch with your dedicated advisor or our lettings team.
