Westminster Council doubles staff to enhance selective licensing enforcement

Westminster City Council has significantly increased its workforce dedicated to managing selective licensing within the private rented sector (PRS). The council has recruited 52 additional posts to its Private Renters Team, effectively doubling its size. This move is designed to shift the council’s approach from reactive enforcement to a more proactive strategy aimed at raising housing standards across the borough.

Selective licensing scheme and application process

The selective licensing scheme requires landlords to obtain a licence for certain private rented properties, with the licence costing nearly £1,000. The council has also introduced an online reporting tool to enable residents and tenants to report properties they suspect are operating without the correct licence. This tool is intended to help the council identify non-compliant properties and target enforcement more effectively.

Response to higher-than-expected demand

The council’s Labour administration has noted that the response from landlords has been stronger than anticipated, with more licence applications received than expected. Cllr Ellie Ormsby, cabinet member for regeneration and renters, emphasised the importance of the additional staff in supporting renters and improving standards.

“Selective licensing has given us the ability to significantly expand our Private Renters Team, allowing us to move from reactive enforcement to a proactive approach that raises standards across Westminster,” said Cllr Ormsby.

“As new duties come into force under the Renters’ Rights Act, Westminster Labour is making sure the council has the capacity to meet its responsibilities, protect renters, and support responsible landlords. This expanded team gives us the tools we need to deliver real change in the private rented sector.”

Implications for landlords and tenants

Westminster City Council’s focus on increasing compliance means landlords must ensure their properties are correctly licensed under the selective licensing scheme. Failure to obtain the correct licence may result in enforcement action and tenants becoming eligible to apply for a Rent Repayment Order, which allows them to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent paid during periods of non-compliance.

The council’s online reporting tool provides a mechanism for tenants and residents to notify the council of suspected unlicensed properties, potentially increasing the risk of enforcement for non-compliant landlords.

Context within wider selective licensing enforcement

This development follows a similar situation in Mansfield District Council, which recently acknowledged underestimating the number of PRS homes requiring licensing and consequently recruited additional staff to manage the workload. These cases highlight the challenges councils face in implementing selective licensing schemes and the resource demands involved.

It is worth noting that government guidance advises selective licensing should be used only as a last resort, given the associated costs and administrative burdens. Nonetheless, councils like Westminster are investing in enforcement capacity to ensure compliance and improve conditions for renters.

What it means for UK landlords

Landlords operating in Westminster and similar areas with selective licensing schemes should review their properties’ licensing status to ensure compliance. The increased council resources and reporting tools mean non-compliance is more likely to be detected and penalised. Responsible landlords who maintain proper licences and meet regulatory standards will benefit from a more level playing field and support from the council’s expanded team.

Suggested internal link anchors

• selective licensing scheme
• private rented sector compliance
• Renters’ Rights Act
• Rent Repayment Order
• licensing enforcement
• landlord responsibilities
• tenant protection measures
• council licensing fees
• online reporting tool
• proactive enforcement approach

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/