“Thank you Jonathan and the whole team at Napier Watt for marketing and executing the sale of Buckingham Mews so brilliantly.”
Westminster Landlords Must Act Now
Mandatory Licensing for all Private Rented Properties in Westminster
For all private landlords or properties in Westminster, you are required to apply to Westminster City Council for a Selective Licence before 24 November 2025. This new scheme opened for registration on 1 October 2025 and applies to ALL properties that are rented (or will be rented) within 15 of the 18 wards of Westminster.
Please note: Properties already licensed and operating under an HMO licence require no further action.
Please note: Properties already licensed and operating under an HMO licence require no further action.
We’re here to help you
every step of the way
Napier Watt are here to help and guide you through the process — assisting, where appropriate, with the application, compliance checks, and ensuring all deadlines are met. We believe that the majority of properties we manage already comply with the new requirements, though a few may require minor additional information or adjustments.
Get compliance support
Key information
Licence duration: 5 years
Westminster Council Fee Of: Up to £995 (some small discounts are available; Napier Watt will apply these where possible)
Where Napier Watt are completing the application we will charge a one off fee of £450 plus VAT per licence
Applies to: All rented properties in designated wards
The Council will review all applications. They may elect to inspect selected properties and this may result in a request for changes or for additional information
Fines of up to £30,000 per non-compliance offence, or criminal prosecution for the worst offenses
Where a licence has not been obtained landlords may be liable for Rent Repayment Orders (RRO)
Landlord Responsibilities – At a Glance
UK-based Landlords / UK companies
- You may apply directly for your licence or appoint a UK-based Licence Holder
- You must complete the “Fit and Proper” test as part of the process
- The licence is non-transferable – if you wish to change the Licence Holder you must revoke the existing licence and apply for a new one
Overseas Landlords / Off Shore Companies
In addition to UK requirements:
- You must appoint either:
- A UK-based Licence Holder responsible for compliance, or
- A UK-based local Property Manager to act as your liable Agent under the scheme
- The appointed managing agent must be a member of a Government-approved Property Redress Scheme and operate within reasonable distance of the property
- Napier Watt are a member of The Property Ombudsman, which meets Westminster’s requirements
Additional Licensing
Requirements
- PAT Testing – A Portable Appliance Test is now required every 30 months (though many of our landlords already have up-to-date tests on file).
- Tenant Information – You must supply tenants with instructions on refuse disposal, monitor anti-social behaviour, and keep records of periodic property inspections.
- Notifications – You must submit contact details for your Freeholder and Mortgagee (if applicable), notify them of your licence application and retain a record.
- Inspections – The Council may inspect selected properties and may request further remedial actions or information.
How Napier Watt Can Assist You
For overseas Landlords, Napier Watt can manage the entire licence-application process on your behalf: from completing the application, coordinating any works or documentation required for compliance. If your current manager is not a member of a Government-approved redress scheme please contact us today. Only agents who are members of schemes such as The Property Ombudsman are eligible to act under this licensing framework in Westminster.
Should you require an eligible UK-based Property Manager please get in touch at your earliest convenience to allow sufficient time to process the application and ensure the property is compliant.
Further Detailed Information
Download detailed guidance on Westminster’s Selective Licensing scheme, including full licence conditions and fee structures.
New Management Instructions
We are happy to take on the management of additional properties, subject to reviewing all relevant documentation and an internal inspection. A charge may be made for to undertake full onboarding.
Please call us on +44(0)20 7935 0011 or email enquiries@napierwatt.co.uk to discuss this further or to ask any questions or comments you may have. We look forward to assisting you and ensuring your property remains compliant under the new licensing regime.
Please call us on +44(0)20 7935 0011 or email enquiries@napierwatt.co.uk to discuss this further or to ask any questions or comments you may have. We look forward to assisting you and ensuring your property remains compliant under the new licensing regime.
Some kind words from our clients…
