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Westminster’s New Selective Licensing Scheme
Residential Landlords | What You Need to Know
If you own and intend to let residential property in Westminster, it’s important to be aware of new legislation coming into effect later in 2025. Westminster City Council has confirmed the introduction of a Selective Licensing scheme, designed to improve housing standards and tenant safety across the borough.
The scheme is scheduled to go live from 24th November 2025, with landlords required to submit licence applications from 1st October 2025, however our advice is for residential landlords to prepare early to ensure properties are fully compliant well in advance.
The Lettings & Management team at Tavistock Bow are already supporting clients in reviewing portfolios and checking documentation in preparation for these changes, however for peace of mind we’ve outlined what the new scheme involves, who it applies to, and how we can help navigate it with ease.
What is Selective Licensing?
Selective licensing is a regulatory tool that allows local authorities to require landlords to license all privately rented properties within designated areas — not just HMOs.
In Westminster, the scheme is being introduced to raise property management standards, reduce anti-social behaviour, and protect tenants from poor conditions. While many landlords already operate to a high professional standard, the scheme formalises these expectations and introduces penalties for those who fall short.
Once granted, licenses will be valid for a period of five years.
Does it apply to me?
If you let out a single dwelling (house or flat) within a designated ward in Westminster, then yes — you will most likely need a licence. This applies whether your property is let to a single person, a couple, or two sharers.
Importantly, the scheme applies to properties not covered by mandatory or additional HMO licensing. Some exemptions may apply, but the vast majority of private landlords in the affected areas will be brought into scope.
The council has provided an interactive map and postcode checker on its website to determine if your property falls within the licensed zones. Although not ALL wards within the Borough are included within in this initial phase, our expectation is that a full roll-out across Westminster is a matter of when, not if, so we would recommend that any residential Landlords are proactive in preparing for any eventuality.
You can find full details of the scheme on the City of Westminster Council website here along with a list of answers to FAQ’s, as well us useful information regarding Westminster’s general policies around Private Sector Housing within the Borough.
What’s required?
Landlords must apply for a licence before letting — or continuing to let — a property within a licensed area. A successful application includes:
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable)
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Confirmation that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed
- Details of the property manager or agent
- Fit and proper person checks
- Payment of the relevant licence fee
Once approved, the licence is typically valid for up to five years, provided all conditions continue to be met. During this period, landlords must comply with property management and safety obligations as outlined in the licence conditions.
What are the risks of not complying?
Letting a licensable property without a valid licence is a criminal offence. Penalties include:
- Civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach
- Rent Repayment Orders (where landlords can be ordered to repay up to 12 months of rent to tenants)
- Restrictions on regaining possession under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988
The council has confirmed that it will be proactive in enforcing the scheme, including spot checks and penalties for non-compliance. Early action is therefore key.
How we can help
The Letting & Management team at Tavistock Bow are committed to supporting clients through every stage of the property lifecycle — and a major factor in that is staying compliant with new regulations and ever-changing legislation.
We’re already working with landlords and institutional clients to prepare for Westminster’s Selective Licensing scheme, with our team’s ability to:
- Confirm whether your property is located within the designated licensing zone
- Review your portfolio for compliance across safety, documentation, and management practices
- Arrange or update required certificates (Gas, EICR, EPC)
- Manage and submit licence applications on your behalf
- Act as your professional managing agent to meet ongoing licence conditions
With a strong presence in Prime Central London and deep experience in the regulatory landscape of the private rented sector, we’re well placed to ensure clients remain compliant — with minimal disruption to the letting and management of residential assets.
What’s next?
We’ll be contacting all landlord clients directly over the coming weeks to confirm next steps and assist with preparations ahead of the application window opening on 1st October 2025. Whether you own and let a single studio, flat, apartment or house, or indeed an entire portfolio, early preparation will make all the difference when the new rules come into force on 24th November 2025.
If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want peace of mind, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with either Hannah Read or Anne-Marie Murphy
To speak with a member of our team, please contact us directly or via the contact form below or email [email protected]
We’re here to help you stay informed, compliant, and protected.
#SelectiveLicensing #WestminsterProperty #LandlordAdvice #PropertyCompliance #PrimeLondonProperty #TavistockBow
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