Westminster City Council has announced a major new initiative to drive up housing standards in the private rented sector. Following last year’s public consultation, the council’s Cabinet has confirmed plans to roll out a Selective Licensing Scheme across the majority of the city, starting 24 November 2025.

The scheme, which applies to private homes rented to single households or two sharers in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards, is designed to ensure that tenants live in properties that are safe, secure, and well-maintained.

Landlords will be able to apply online from 1 October 2025, giving them time to get up to speed with the requirements and make necessary changes ahead of the enforcement date.

Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, said:

"This scheme is about raising standards in the private rented sector and making sure every tenant has access to a safe, secure, and decent home. Too many residents are still living in poor conditions, and that’s simply not acceptable.

“We’re committed to driving improvements across the board and supporting landlords through this process, providing practical guidance to ensure all homes in Westminster meet the standards our communities deserve.”

Westminster has one of the largest private rented sectors in England, and with growing demand for affordable housing, the council says it’s vital to hold rental properties to the highest standards.

To support landlords ahead of the rollout, the council will host a series of information sessions, forums, and drop-ins to answer questions and offer practical advice.

Landlords can find out more about the scheme, including eligibility and fee discounts, by visiting www.westminster.gov.uk/private-sector-housing, emailing propertylicensing@westminster.gov.uk or calling 020 7641 6161.

ENDS

Notes

• Mandatory HMO licensing scheme has operated since 2006

• Additional HMO licensing scheme has operated since 2021

- Designation 1 consists of eight wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions

- Abbey Road

- Church Street

- Harrow Road

- Knightsbridge and Belgravia

- Little Venice

- Maida Vale

- Queen’s Park

- Westbourne

• Designation 2 consists of seven wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions, in addition to significant and persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour linked to private rented housing

- Bayswater

- Hyde Park

- Lancaster Gate

- Marylebone

- Pimlico North

- Regent’s Park

- West End

• The selective licensing scheme excludes properties that are already licensed under Westminster’s existing HMO schemes

• Incentives and discounts will apply to landlords or well managed properties including accredited landlords and energy efficient properties

• More information about Westminster City Council’s existing licensing schemes for private landlords can be found here: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing

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