Westminster Landlord Licence Documents: The Full Checklist for a Valid Application

A missing or expired document can delay or block validation, and the Part A fee is not refunded if the application is rejected. Getting the document package right before you hit submit is worth the preparation time. Here is every document the council requires, its validity period and what qualifies.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

Validity: Must be dated within the last 12 months at the time you apply. Issuer: A Gas Safe registered engineer. Format: Upload as PDF to the portal.

If your property has no gas supply (all-electric), you may still need to confirm this on the application form. The council's questionnaire asks about gas installations — answer accurately.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Validity: Maximum five years from the date of inspection. Standard: Must show zero C1 (danger present) and zero C2 (potentially dangerous) defects. C3 (improvement recommended) observations are acceptable. Issuer: A qualified and competent electrician registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or an equivalent approved scheme. Format: PDF upload.

If your EICR flags C1 or C2 defects, you need remedial work completed and a new report before you can submit a valid application. Do not upload a report showing unresolved C1/C2 items — it will be rejected.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Validity: Maximum 10 years. Minimum rating: E is the legal minimum for rented properties. Properties below E are unlawful to let unless a valid exemption is registered. Discount opportunity: An EPC rating of C earns a 10% discount on Part B fees; B or above earns 20%. Issuer: An accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Format: PDF upload. You can download the official EPC from the government's EPC Register if you have lost the original.

Scaled Floor Plans

Required for: All new applications, and existing licence holders where structural changes have been made since the last application. Standard: Must show room dimensions in square metres, including any areas where ceiling height is below 1.5 metres (these are excluded from the usable floor area calculation). Issuer: A qualified surveyor or architectural draftsperson is recommended, though the council does not mandate a specific professional qualification for floor plans. Format: PDF upload.

Floor plans are critical for HMO applications because the council uses them to verify compliance with statutory room size limits (6.51 m² minimum for a single adult bedroom, 10.22 m² for a double).

Fire Detection and Alarm Certificate

When required: If the property has a hardwired Grade A fire alarm system fitted. Validity: Dated within 12 months. Standard: Tested to BS 5839. Issuer: A competent fire alarm engineer.

Properties with battery-only smoke alarms on every storey (a mandatory licence condition) may not need this separate certificate, but the portal will ask about your fire detection setup.

Emergency Lighting Certificate

When required: If the property has a fitted emergency lighting system (common in larger HMOs and converted buildings with communal areas). Validity: Dated within 12 months. Issuer: A competent electrical or fire safety engineer.

Overseas Licence Holder Declaration

When required: If the property owner lives outside the UK. What it does: Names a UK-based individual as the licence holder (overseas owners cannot hold a Westminster licence themselves) and confirms the arrangement between the overseas owner and their UK representative. Format: Signed by both the overseas owner and the nominated UK licence holder, uploaded as PDF.

The Submission Sequence

All documents are uploaded during the Part A submission stage. The council reviews them for completeness and validity as part of determining whether the application is "duly made." Missing or expired documents delay or block validation, leaving your property technically unlicensed during the gap.

The Westminster Landlord Licensing Guide includes a document readiness checklist with expiry date tracking so you can prepare everything before opening the portal.

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