Property Licensing Guide for Westminster
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Westminster Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Westminster? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Westminster and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
Westminster Council Private Rental Licensing
Mandatory licensing in Westminster
Mandatory licensing is required in Westminster if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Westminster?
Additional licensing requires that all smaller HMO’s in a given area must obtain a licence. A smaller HMO is defined as a privately rented property with three or more people from more than one household.
Westminster currently operates one additional licensing scheme, running from 30th August 2021 until 29th August 2026.
Do I need a selective licence in Westminster?
A selective licensing expands the scope of regulations to all privately rented properties in a given area. Under a selective scheme, all private properties must obtain a licence, regardless of the number of households or occupants.
Westminster Council has recently launched a new selective licensing consultation. This means that selective licensing could be introduced in the future for the following wards:
- 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
- West End
- Westbourne
Unsure if your property will be affected by Westminster's selective licensing scheme?
Use our free property licence checker to see if your property falls within the proposed wards for the selective licensing scheme
How do I apply for a licence?
Westminster Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Westminster. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory and Additional licensing Fee: £1,510 with an extra £68 per additional bedroom over 5
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.
Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties
Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.
- Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
- Instant notification of any licensing changes affecting one of your properties
- Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf
What happens if I don't get a licence in Westminster?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Westminster Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Licensing enforcement efforts in Westminster
Westminster Council is notorious for using their powers to punish rogue landlords. In the Mayor for London rogue landlord database, Westminster council have issued almost £120,000 in fines in 2024, with almost £90,000 of these fines relating to unlicensed properties.
If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Westminster, use our Westminster property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Westminster council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Yes, Westminster council are currently consulting on a new selective licensing scheme, the first of it’s kind in the borough. Have your say on the consultation here.
Why has additional licensing in Westminster been introduced?
Westminster introduced additional licensing due to findings that a significant proportion of the city’s Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are poorly managed, with nearly half likely to have serious hazards such as fire risks, damp, and overcrowding. These properties place a heavy burden on council services, requiring over 25,000 interventions, and are associated with higher rates of antisocial behaviour. Additionally, many HMOs fail to meet energy efficiency standards, posing health risks to vulnerable tenants. The additional licensing aims to improve housing conditions, enhance property management, and create a safer, more desirable living environment.
What are the HMO standards to obtain a licence in Westminster Council?
The standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Westminster are designed to ensure safety, habitability, and proper management of shared houses and flats. Key requirements include minimum room sizes, such as 7.5 m² for a single bedroom and 10.22 m² for a double, with additional space standards if no shared social space is provided. Kitchens must be adequately equipped with a set of cooking facilities, including an oven, grill, and at least four hobs, and must have a minimum floor area of 5.5 m² for up to five people. For every five occupants, there must be at least one bathroom and one separate WC. Fire safety is paramount, with mandatory Grade D1 mains-powered fire detection systems in all properties, and in buildings with three or more stories, a Grade A alarm system is required. Landlords must also ensure sufficient heating, security measures, and regular maintenance of all facilities, with strict regulations on fire safety, gas, and electrical systems.
What is Westminster Council’s HMO application process?
The application process for an HMO licence in Westminster is designed to be efficient, with a target of processing applications within three months of receiving a valid submission. During this period, applicants can track their progress through the licensing portal and will be notified of any delays or additional requirements. Properties can be let legally as long as a valid application has been submitted. High-risk or large properties will generally be inspected before a licence is issued, while smaller, lower-risk properties may receive a licence based on provided documentation, with a follow-up inspection later. Applicants must provide an electrical safety certificate (EICR) and, if applicable, a gas safety certificate. Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates are only required if such systems are already installed in the property, and many small HMOs may not need a fire alarm certificate.