Westminster Council brings in ‘selective licensing’ for private rented homes

Westminster Council will require all landlords who run privately rented properties across most of the city to have a licence, in a scheme that comes in to force this month.

Starting Monday 24 November, landlords operating in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards will have to obtain a licence for each privately rented property they manage.

“The initiative follows extensive consultation with residents, landlords, and stakeholders, and is part of the council’s wider commitment to tackling poor housing conditions and supporting safe, well-managed homes,” says Westminster Council.

The “selective licensing” scheme aims to improve housing standards, protect tenants, and will complement the existing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme.

“Everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live,” says Councillor Ellie Ormsby, cabinet member for regeneration and renters.

“This scheme will help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords, and ensure tenants are treated fairly. We’re working closely with landlords to support compliance and make the process as smooth as possible.”

It will operate in the following wards: Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park, Westbourne, Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park, and West End.

A similar “selective licensing” scheme operated by Southwark Council famously caught out chancellor Rachel Reeves last month when it was revealed she let out a property without first obtaining the correct paperwork from the local authority.

Westminster City Council: Privately rented homes in 15 wards will need a licence from 24 November 2025, find out what this means for landlords and tenants; Decision: Introduction of Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme.

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