Landlord licensing in Westminster City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more tenants who form two or more separate households and share facilities, irrespective of the number of storeys.

Additional licensing

Westminster City Council operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with three or four tenants forming two or more separate households in specific wards and streets. Check the council's website for current designations and requirements.

Selective licensing

Westminster City Council does not currently operate any selective licensing schemes. However, designations can be introduced for specific areas, so landlords should always check the council's website for any updates.

Typical fees

Refer to the council's licensing webpage for current fees and charges for each scheme. Fees vary by licence type and property specifics.

Towns covered

Westminster

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Westminster City Council area, confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more tenants forming two or more households. Additional licensing in Westminster may apply to smaller HMOs in designated areas. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Boundaries and designations can change, so always check the council's official licensing pages before a new occupation contract. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commence 2026) impacts tenancy types and introduces a national landlord database. Ensure you have a valid gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the occupation contract starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website