Westminster’s New Selective Licensing Scheme

Westminster’s New Selective Licensing Scheme

What London’s Finest Landlords Need to Know

At Glenfield, we pride ourselves on safeguarding our clients’ assets. We’re committed to helping property owners stay ahead of regulatory changes.

The latest development from Westminster City Council, the Selective Licensing Scheme, marks one of the most significant shifts in private rental regulation in recent years. Below, we outline what it means for property owners and how to stay ahead—ensuring your portfolio remains protected, compliant, and future-ready. Here’s a clear breakdown of what the new Selective Licensing Scheme means for you – and what action you should take now to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

What Is the Selective Licensing New Scheme?

From 24th November 2025, Westminster City Council will require all privately rented homes in most of the borough to be licensed. This applies even if the property is rented to just a single household or two unrelated sharers.

This initiative aims to:

Elevate housing standards across the borough

Enhance tenant protection and accountability

Recognise and support responsible, professional landlords

Which Properties Are Affected?

  • Included: All privately rented homes in 15 out of 18 Westminster wards
  • Excluded: Pimlico South, St James’s, and Vincent Square wards.
  • Already licensed HMOs or exempt properties (e.g., student halls or social housing) do not require this licence.

Check if your property is included: westminster.gov.uk/licensing

Key Dates 2025

  • Application Portal Opens: 1st October 2025
  • Licensing Requirement Begins: 24th November 2025

Licence Fees & Discounts

  • Standard Fee: £995 per property (payable in two parts)
  • Available Discounts
    • 10% off for accredited landlords
    • 20% off for properties with EPC rating B or above
    • £125 off for multiple properties within the same free hold block
Which Properties Are Affected?
Read more

Licence Requirements

To obtain and retain your licence, you must:

  • Ensure your property meets health and safety standards
  • Provide adequate tenancy management
  • Take action against anti-social behaviour
  • Cooperate with council inspections

The licence typically lasts up to five years, subject to compliance.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Operating without a valid licence constitutes a criminal offence and carries serious consequences, including:

  • Civil penalties of up to £30,000
  • Rent repayment orders
  • Prosecution and formal enforcement
  • Listing on the Rogue Landlord Database

Landlords – are you prepared for the changes coming?

Read Our Guide
<p><strong>Landlords</strong> – are you prepared for the changes coming?</p>

Next Steps for Landlords

Next Steps for Landlords
  1. Check if your property is in scope Review the council’s licensing ward map.
  2. Get your documents ready Prepare safety certificates, EPC, and tenancy records.
  3. Apply early (from 1st October 2025) Don’t wait until the last minute the process can take time.
  4. Take advantage of discounts Consider getting accredited or upgrading your EPC rating.
  5. Stay compliant Maintain property standards throughout the licence period.

Don’t just take our word for it, see what our clients have to say.

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Hi Yasmin Ulhaq,

I am thoroughly impressed with Glenfield Property Management. Their team consistently goes above and beyond, handling every detail with exceptional professionalism and care. From prompt maintenance responses to transparent communication, they have made property management a seamless experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking top-notch service and peace of mind.

Frederika Irwin
“
”

If not for Yasmin’s dedicated and timely intervention, our family short let for the summer could have gotten off to a bad start. But thanks to her swift responses to all issues and leaving nothing to chance, we were able to settle in.

Valerie, Private Client
CEO
“
”

Yasmin and Amara have been absolutely marvellous – very on it and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommend.

Anne Marie
Finance Director
“
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Thorough, attentive and most importantly her communication was on point. Working with so many agents, I have to say our experience with Yasmin and her team has been short of exemplary. This is just the beginning of an amazing relationship!

OG Productions
Travel/Accommodation Executive
“
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We could not have sourced our property without the help of Glenfield. Their search and settling in services were first rate.

Mr and Mrs Sujani, India
Property Developer
“
”

Friendly, efficient and responsive. Yasmin understood what I expected from a property manager. She has an abundance of expertise and knowledge in this field and really goes above and beyond.

Lyndsey Abbot
Proprietor
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Yasmin is a highly resourceful professional. I engaged her to source a long let in central London. We spoke at length about my requirements, and she understood exactly what I was looking for. She offered a simple, stress-free process. Without Yasmin’s skillful support, I would not have found my perfect home. I cannot recommend Yasmin enough.

H.H Prince. Saud Bin Badr Bin Saud

Benefits for Tenants & Landlords

For Landlords

  1. Enhanced credibility
  2. Long-term tenant trust
  3. Easier dispute management
  4. Protection from rogue operators.

For Tenants

  1. Safer, better-managed homes
  2. Greater transparency
  3. Stronger protections from neglect or illegal eviction
Benefits for Tenants & Landlords
Read more

Need Help Navigating the New Licensing Scheme?

Navigating Westminster’s new licensing framework need not be daunting. Our dedicated compliance team at Glenfield Property Management delivers a concierge-level service designed to protect your portfolio and streamline the process from start to finish.

Our support includes:

  • Full licence application management
  • Comprehensive safety and standards audits
  • Fire and alarm upgrades to regulation standard
  • EPC improvement planning and certification
  • Ongoing compliance monitoring and reporting

At Glenfield, compliance isn’t simply a checkbox—it’s an extension of our white-glove management ethos, ensuring your property remains not only compliant, but exemplary.

Contact Us

Think our approach makes sense? Then give us a call. Better still, contact one of our team directly via WhatsApp, email or social media.
Our passion, drive and enthusiasm ensures that all our clients enjoy the highest level of attention, all the time.
+44 (0) 7989 554 186

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