Does licensing in Westminster affect hmo licensing?

Westminster Council runs its own licensing arrangements on top of national mandatory HMO licensing. Our summary was last checked on 2026-10-20; always confirm the current position on the council website. Licence conditions commonly require current safety certificates to be available on request, which is why we keep every document digitally against the property.

Does a four-person HMO need a licence?

It may do under a council's additional licensing scheme, even though it falls below the usual mandatory five-person threshold. Check the property's address, occupancy and scheme rules with the council. The absence of mandatory licensing does not remove other housing management responsibilities.

What documents do I need for an HMO licence?

Start with the council's current checklist. Common items include floor plans, room measurements, management details and relevant safety records. Requirements vary, and some documents depend on the property's installations. We help identify gaps rather than promising one universal document pack will suit every application.

HMO licensing support in Westminster

HMO licensing in Westminster: the local picture

Westminster shared lettings in Bayswater and around Marylebone need checks against the council additional HMO scheme as well as national mandatory licensing. The council has confirmed a renewed borough-wide additional scheme, while selective licensing is a separate route for qualifying non-HMO lets in designated wards. Peachtree Maintenance can organise inspection records and practical remedial work for an application or existing licence conditions. Supply the resident and household details, layout and council correspondence; licensing, planning and lease consent remain separate matters requiring the appropriate checks.

What the rules say

In England a mandatory licence is needed where five or more people from two or more households share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Councils can also run additional licensing for smaller HMOs and selective licensing for other private lets.

Applications usually need current gas, electrical and fire safety documents, floor plans and management details. Licences commonly run for up to five years and carry conditions. We help gather the evidence and keep it current. We are not a law firm.

Westminster licensing

Westminster has renewed its borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme, effective from 31 August 2026 until 30 August 2031. The council also states that selective licensing applies to qualifying non-HMO private rented properties in fifteen wards, with address coverage and exemptions to be checked separately.

Source: Westminster Council, last checked 2026-10-20.

Districts we visit for hmo licensing

Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho, Pimlico, Paddington, Bayswater, Maida Vale, St John's Wood, Victoria, Westbourne Park, covering postcode districts W1B, W1D, W1F, W1G, W1H, W1J, W1K, W1S, W1U, W1W, W2, W9, NW1, NW8, SW1A, SW1E, SW1H, SW1P, SW1V, SW1W, SW1X.

HMO licensing support in Westminster

HMO licensing in Westminster: the local picture

What the rules say

Westminster licensing

Districts we visit for hmo licensing

HMO licensing in Westminster: FAQs

Do you cover all of Westminster?

Does licensing in Westminster affect hmo licensing?

Does a four-person HMO need a licence?

What documents do I need for an HMO licence?

HMO licensing quote in Westminster.

Tell us about the property.