Do I need an HMO licence in Westminster?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Westminster runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Westminster?

Westminster currently has 2 schemes on our register: Westminster Selective Licensing Scheme (15 wards) (from November 2025); Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme Renewal 2026–2031 (from 31 August 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Westminster?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Westminster's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Westminster?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Westminster can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Westminster?

HMO licence applications in Westminster are handled by Westminster City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Westminster HMO licensing guide

Westminster HMO licence — do you need one?

Westminster has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Which licence do you need in Westminster?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedIn force in Westminster
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Westminster · See selective licensing in Westminster

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Westminster announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: November 2025

Westminster Selective Licensing Scheme (15 wards)

Borough-wide selective licensing covering 15 of 18 wards for privately rented homes, live since Nov 2025. Flat fee £995.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: 31 August 2026

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme Renewal 2026–2031

Westminster renewed its borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme following a Cabinet decision on 16 March 2026 and a formal designation on 21 April 2026. The scheme comes into effect on 31 August 2026 and runs until 30 August 2031, covering all HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Westminster-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Westminster — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Westminster?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Westminster runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Westminster?: Westminster currently has 2 schemes on our register: Westminster Selective Licensing Scheme (15 wards) (from November 2025); Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme Renewal 2026–2031 (from 31 August 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Westminster?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Westminster's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Westminster?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Westminster can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Westminster?: HMO licence applications in Westminster are handled by Westminster City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Westminster HMO?

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Westminster with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Westminster schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Westminster City Council before letting or applying for a licence.