Since 24 November 2025, most private landlords in Westminster must hold a selective licence. If yours doesn't, you could claim back up to 2 years' rent through a Rent Repayment Order (12 months for offences before 1 May 2026).
Which Westminster wards are covered by selective licensing?
15 of Westminster's 18 wards now require landlords to be licensed:
- Abbey Road
- Bayswater
- Church Street
- Harrow Road
- Hyde Park
- Knightsbridge & Belgravia
- Lancaster Gate
- Little Venice
- Maida Vale
- Marylebone
- Pimlico North
- Queen's Park
- Regent's Park
- West End
- Westbourne
Only three wards are excluded:
- Pimlico South
- St James's
- Vincent Square
What selective licensing means for Westminster renters
If you rent in one of these wards, your landlord must now prove your home meets safety and management standards. If they haven't, the consequences land in your favour. You may be able to claim rent back through a Rent Repayment Order, and an unlicensed landlord also risks a council civil penalty of up to £40,000.
Can I claim rent back from an unlicensed Westminster landlord?
If your landlord is not licensed, but should be, you can apply for a Rent Repayment Order. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 lets you reclaim up to 24 months of rent (up to 12 months for earlier offences).
You pay a First-tier Tribunal application fee plus a separate hearing fee. Check the current amounts on GOV.UK before you apply.
How do I check if my Westminster home is licensed?
Don't assume your landlord has it sorted. Many haven't.
Set up a free account and check your address on app.remedylegal.ai, or email us at hello@remedylegal.ai and we'd be happy to check for you.
