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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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Westminster Council has launched its major selective licensing scheme, covering most of the city’s landlords.
Its scheme - the capital's most expensive - applies in 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards in a bid to tackle poor housing conditions and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Designation one consists of eight wards with high levels of poor housing conditions: Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and Westbourne. Designation two consists of seven wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions, as well as “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 and West End.
Councillor Ellie Ormsby, cabinet member for regeneration and renters, says Westminster has one of the largest private rented housing sectors in England and that the number of privately rented properties continues to grow.
“With the ongoing national housing crisis, an increased shortage of social housing, and home ownership unobtainable for many, it’s never been more important to ensure that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes,” adds Ormsby.
“We know that while many landlords provide good quality and safe homes, too many residents are living in substandard and sometimes dangerous conditions. Selective licensing gives us the tools to intervene and support both tenants and landlords.”
A licence will cost £995 and although accredited landlords pay 10% less while those with good EPC ratings can get up to 20% off, it is still London’s most expensive scheme.
The council has operated an additional HMO licensing scheme since 2021. It previously launched a tenants’ charter aimed at helping private renters better understand their rights, improve living standards, and access support services.
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