What Landlords Need to Know
As of 24 November 2025, many rented properties across Westminster will be required to hold a licence under the new Selective Licensing Scheme. If you let properties in Westminster, it’s vital to understand how this affects you, and how our team at Venice Properties can support you.
What is the Selective Lciensing Scheme?
Westminster Council has introduced a new Selective Licensing Scheme to improve the standards and management of private rented homes across the borough. Landlords must obtain a licence for each property they let within designated areas, ensuring all rented accommodation meets required safety and compliance standards. The initiative forms part of the Council’s commitment to promoting well-managed, high-quality rental housing and protecting tenants’ wellbeing.
Full details on the Scheme can be found here on the Council's website.
Key Dates & Application Window
- Applications open: 1st October 2025
- Scheme becomes mandatory: 24th November 2025, covering 15 of Westminster's 18 Wards.
Preparing early means you can give yourself as much time as possible to gather doccuments, submit the application, and most importantly ensure approval before the deadline.
The scheme will apply to most private landlords letting properties in the affected wards. Whether you own a single flat or multiple homes, if your property falls within the designated area and is being rented out, a licence will most likely be required. You can use the interactive map to determine if your property falls under the licensed zones.
License fees & our offer
- The Council's licence fee: £995
- Venice Properties is offering a rate of £350 for our existing clients, this covers:
- Covering full preperation
- Submission and compliance guidance
- This also includes a £100 discount on the application
Why compliance matters/Risks of non-compliance
- From 24 November 2025, it will be a legal requirement for landlords to hold a valid licence for properties in the 15 designated wards. Without one, your property cannot be legally rented.
- Civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence, and rent repayment orders of up to 12 months’ rent are possible for operating without a licence.
- Acting early protects your income, avoids fines, and maintains your professional reputation.
What is required for a license application?
To obtain a Selective Licence, landlords will need to provide several key documents and demonstrate that their property meets Westminster Council’s required standards. This ensures that homes are safe, well-maintained, and properly managed. Applications should include:
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate, if applicable to your property
- An up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- A current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Proof that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and operational
- Contact details for the landlord, property manager, or managing agent
- Evidence that the landlord or manager is a fit and proper person
- Payment of the licence fee to Westminster Council
Once granted, a licence is typically valid for up to five years, as long as the property continues to meet the required standards. During that period, landlords must maintain ongoing compliance with management, safety, and record-keeping obligations outlined in their licence conditions.
How Venice Properties can help
Navigating these new licensing requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Venice Properties offers a fully managed service to take the stress out of compliance — handling everything from documentation to submission so you can focus on your property portfolio with confidence.
Call to action
Ready to secure your licence and stay ahead of the new rules? Contact our team today at 020 7724 7862 or email info@veniceproperties.co and we’ll get your application underway.
