How to Apply for a Westminster Landlord Licence: The Online Application Step by Step

Westminster operates an online-only licensing system — no paper forms, no in-person counter service. Every application goes through the council's MetaStreet portal, and the process has specific requirements that trip up first-time applicants. Here is the full sequence from account creation to licence in hand.

Before You Start: What to Have Ready

Gather these before you open the portal:

• Your property's exact ward (confirmed via Westminster's GIS address lookup — not your postcode)
• A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) dated within 12 months
• An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) valid for five years with zero C1 or C2 defects
• An Energy Performance Certificate at minimum E rating (C or above if you want the fee discount)
• Scaled floor plans showing room dimensions in square metres
• Names, addresses and email contacts for all "interested parties" — mortgage lenders, freeholders, head lessors, joint owners and managing agents
• A debit or credit card for the Part A fee
• If the property owner lives outside the UK: a signed Overseas Licence Holder Declaration naming a UK-based licence holder

Step 1: Verify Your Ward and Scheme

Use the GIS lookup to confirm which ward the property sits in. That determines whether you need a selective licence (15 wards), additional HMO licence (borough-wide for 3–4 occupants in 2+ households) or mandatory HMO licence (borough-wide for 5+ occupants in 2+ households).

Step 2: Notify Interested Parties

Before you submit, you must serve formal notice on everyone with a legal interest in the property — mortgage lenders, freeholders, joint owners and managing agents. The application form asks for their full details, and declaring incomplete information can invalidate your application.

Step 3: Create a MetaStreet Account

Register on the MetaStreet portal with an email address. The portal sometimes throws access errors on first load. If you see an error code on the login page, clear your browser cache, try a different browser, or access the portal from a public library terminal if you do not have personal IT equipment.

Step 4: Complete the Property Questionnaire

The portal takes you through a property-specific questionnaire that asks about the address, tenancy arrangements, occupant numbers and household compositions. Answer accurately — the system uses your responses to route you to the correct scheme and fee structure.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload your Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, EPC, floor plans and any other required documents as PDFs. If you are claiming an accredited landlord discount, upload your membership certificate here. If the property owner is overseas, upload the signed Overseas Declaration.

Step 6: Self-Declare Fit and Proper Status

The applicant, proposed licence holder and any managing agent each make a self-declaration covering criminal history, discrimination, and previous housing law contraventions. A formal DBS certificate is not routinely required, but the council can request a Basic DBS check if your declaration or their own records raise concerns.

Step 7: Pay Part A and Submit

Part A is charged immediately by card: £543 for a selective licence, £855 for an HMO licence. This fee is non-refundable. Once submitted, the council reviews the application for completeness.

Step 8: Duly Made Confirmation

When the council confirms your application is "duly made" — all required fields, valid documents and Part A payment received — you gain statutory protection under the Housing Act 2004. You cannot be prosecuted for operating an unlicensed property while the application is being processed.

Step 9: Part B Payment and Licence Grant

After the council's assessment, they issue a draft licence decision and automatically debit the Part B fee (£452 selective, £685 HMO) from the card you used for Part A. The payment must clear within 28 calendar days of the council's formal request. If it fails, the application is treated as withdrawn and you lose the Part A fee.

The final licence is issued once Part B is settled, valid for up to five years.

For a printable checklist and document-readiness tracker that maps to each portal stage, the Westminster Landlord Licensing Guide walks through the entire process with the exact evidence requirements at each step.

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