Westminster City Council’s additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has been renewed, taking effect on 31 August 2026. As the date approaches, the council has offered guidance for small HMO landlords in the borough.
There are around 56,000 privately rented homes in the City of Westminster, and three separate landlord licensing schemes in operation across the borough. In 2021, Westminster City Council implemented an additional licensing scheme covering small HMOs. In a nutshell, these are properties rented to 3-4 tenants from 2 or more households who share common facilities like a kitchen or bathroom.
The scheme was originally put in place for five years, bringing it up to 2026. On 21 April 2026, Westminster City Council formalised its decision to renew the additional HMO licensing scheme. The council is legally required to give three months’ notice of new licensing designations, allowing the renewed scheme to come into effect from 31 August 2026. Like the original designation, it will last for five years, and covers all wards of Westminster.
Landlords who don’t hold a licence but fall under its remit, must arrange one before the renewed designation takes effect, the council advises. The application process is already open.
However, many Westminster landlords will already hold an additional HMO licence issued during the initial 5-year period. The council advises that licences are still valid until their given expiry date. However, as always, it’s important to check your paperwork and apply for renewal in good time. It’s possible to renew up to three months in advance of the expiry date, so there’s no need to risk legal issues by waiting until the last minute.
Landlords without a licence risk a financial penalty or criminal prosecution, and it’s not just small HMO landlords who must take care. Large HMO landlords across England are legally required to hold a mandatory HMO licence. This rule covers landlords renting a property to 5 or more residents from two or more households. Since 24 November 2025, a selective licensing scheme has also applied to standard lets across 15 of Westminster’s 18 wards.
If you are unsure how landlord licensing applies to you, contact the council and your managing agent.
Courtney is a Chartered Surveyor, the senior partner and owner of the Best Gapp group.
His special talent honed over the last 30 years is winning. Winning for his many clients.
Winning a Leasehold Enfranchisement case, winning a negotiation to sell or buy, winning a lower rent at review, winning a planning permission to enhance value, winning trust.
