London’s Westminster council is launching a consultation on yet another rental property selective licensing scheme.

The council claims it has the largest private rental sector in England.

In 2021, it introduced a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme: now it is proposing that privately rented homes of all types (not just HMOs) should be licensed in 15 wards across the borough. 

A spokesperson says: “We know that most landlords and agents operating in Westminster provide homes that are safe, of a high standard and managed well. When properties are not safe and well managed, the impact upon the lives of tenants and the wider community can be detrimental. Sometimes this is because landlords are not aware of their responsibilities and sometimes this is because criminal landlords knowingly flout housing laws.

“We want to ensure that all private rented properties are operating legally and, above all else, safe. Before any decisions are made, we need the views of everyone in the borough, especially those that live in a private rented home.”

If the scheme gets the go-ahead it will be introduced in spring 2026.

The consultation runs until January 19 and you can find out more: www.westminster.gov.uk/prs