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 → Westminster HMO licensing guide
HMO licence in Westminster — do I need one?
Westminster has 1 licensing scheme 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.
Active and upcoming schemes
Sourced from Westminster announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
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 £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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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.