Selective licensing introduced in Westminster: What landlords need to know

Selective licensing introduced in Westminster

Westminster City Council has confirmed the introduction of a new Selective Licensing scheme, following a public consultation earlier this year. The scheme will come into effect on Monday 24th November 2025 and will run for a period of five years, until 23rd November 2030.

The initiative is designed to improve standards in the private rental sector, ensuring that landlords meet specific requirements in relation to safety, maintenance and management. But what does this mean for you as a landlord, and could it apply to your property?

Will the Scheme Apply to Your Property?

The new Selective Licensing scheme applies to rental properties in the following areas of Westminster: 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.

If your property falls within one of these areas and is not already covered by an HMO licence, Management Order, or temporary exemption, it will require a Selective Licence. To check if your property is affected, landlords can contact Westminster Council directly at propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk or visit the Council’s website.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to obtain a licence for a property that requires one is a criminal offence. Landlords may face:

Civil penalties of up to £30,000.

A Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months’ rent.

Inability to serve a Section 21 notice, making it harder to regain possession of the property.

Remaining compliant is therefore not just a legal obligation, but also crucial for protecting your rental income and tenancy management options.

What Landlords Should Do Next?

If your property is fully managed by Lurot Brand, we will apply for the licence on your behalf. We will be in touch in early October 2025 to guide you through the process.

If your property is not managed by us but you would like support with the application, we can take care of this for a fee of £125 + VAT (£150 inclusive). Alternatively, landlords may choose to apply directly via the Council’s website. If you do so, we strongly advise reviewing the Selective Licence Standards and Conditions beforehand.

If you decide to apply independently, please notify us once your application has been submitted. Proof of licence must be provided for each property let through us by 23rd November 2025.

Key Information

Important Dates:

Designation confirmed: 24 June 2025.

Applications open: 1 October 2025.

Scheme mandatory from: 24 November 2025.

Scheme duration: Five years (until 23 November 2030).

Licence Fees:

Total fee per property: £995.

Part A: £543 (payable on application; non-refundable).

Part B: £452 (payable upon issue of licence).

Discounts Available For:

Accredited landlords.

Properties with EPC ratings of B or C.

Registered charities.

Multiple properties within the same freehold.

Full details can be found in the Selective Licence Fees and Discounts Schedule.

Need Help?

For direct applications, landlords can apply via the Westminster City Council website, or contact the Private Sector Housing team at:

Email: propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk.

Telephone: 020 7641 6161 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).

Our Support

At Lurot Brand, we are here to help landlords navigate these changes and ensure complete compliance. Whether through our full property management service or by assisting with applications, we aim to give you peace of mind in meeting all legal, safety and maintenance obligations.

For tailored advice or to discuss your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.