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Property Licensing Guide for Westminster
Westminster currently operates selective licensing in 15 wards and additional licensing; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. A new additional licensing designation (18 wards) launches on 31 August 2026, replacing the current scheme. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
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.
What are the licensing requirements for Westminster?
Mandatory licensing in Westminster
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Westminster (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming 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 smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Westminster operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below. A further additional scheme is due to begin on 31 August 2026.
Do I need a selective licence in Westminster?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Westminster operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 30 August 2021 to 30 August 2026 — borough-wide (all 18 wards).
Additional licensing: 31 August 2026 to 30 August 2031 — borough-wide (all 18 wards).
Selective licensing: 24 November 2025 to 23 November 2030 — covering 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 and Westbourne.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Westminster Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
HMO licence fee (mandatory & additional): £1,540 (Part A £855, Part B £685) for up to five lettings, plus £68 per additional letting. Accredited-landlord and EPC-rating discounts apply.
Selective licence fee: Westminster’s selective scheme began on 24 November 2025; confirm the current selective fee on the council’s licence fees page.
HMO fees effective from 1 April 2025.
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Westminster Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Westminster operate?
Westminster operates selective and additional licensing (24 November 2025 to 23 November 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Westminster need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Westminster, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Westminster property licence?
You can apply through Westminster Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Westminster introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Westminster introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Westminster?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Westminster
Licensing Enforcement in Westminster
Westminster Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary — a property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
