Does your Westminster landlord need a licence?
Since November 2025, most private landlords in Westminster must hold a selective licence. If yours doesn't, you could claim back up to 12 months of rent, and you cannot be evicted under Section 21.
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 does this change mean for renters in Westminster?
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, and a landlord without a valid licence cannot serve a Section 21 "no fault" eviction notice.
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 to reclaim up to 12 months of rent. The fee is £100 to apply.
Under the upcoming Renters' Rights Act, this could double to 24 months.
How do I check if my Westminster home is licensed?
Don't assume your landlord has it sorted. Many haven't.
Setup a free account and check your address on https://app.remedylegal.ai/, or email us at hello@remedylegal.ai and we'd be happy to check for you.