Letting in Westminster: the rules and the numbers

What applies to rented homes in Westminster, in one place: the licensing schemes and where they run, planning limits on house shares, what housing allowance pays, typical rents, and how local homes rate on energy. Every figure shows its source and date. For one property, enter its address above.

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Licences

Selective licensing: In parts of the area
Additional licensing: Applies here
Article 4 on house shares: Not here

Selective licensing - every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 23 November 2030.
Additional licensing - house shares here need a licence from the council, until 30 August 2031.

Check where selective licensing applies Read the additional licensing scheme

Anywhere in England, a house share of 5 or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council - an HMO licence.

Source: Westminster City Council, checked 26 September 2026

Housing allowance

Housing allowance is the most that benefits pay towards a tenant's rent each month.

In the Central London area: £829.83 for a room in a house share, £1,439.97 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,793.98 for a 2-bedroom home, £2,160.02 for a 3-bedroom home, £3,060.00 for a 4-bedroom home.
In the Inner North London area: £708.27 for a room in a house share, £1,439.97 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,793.98 for a 2-bedroom home, £2,160.02 for a 3-bedroom home, £3,060.00 for a 4-bedroom home.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

Rents

The average rent here is £3,196 a month, down 0.6% on a year before.

1 bedroom: Average rent £2,548; Housing allowance £1,439.97 Central London; Housing allowance £1,439.97 Inner North London
2 bedrooms: Average rent £3,305; Housing allowance £1,793.98 Central London; Housing allowance £1,793.98 Inner North London
3 bedrooms: Average rent £3,895; Housing allowance £2,160.02 Central London; Housing allowance £2,160.02 Inner North London
4 or more bedrooms: Average rent £5,424; Housing allowance £3,060.00 Central London; Housing allowance £3,060.00 Inner North London

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

1 bedroom: £2,548 a month
2 bedrooms: £3,305 a month
3 bedrooms: £3,895 a month
4 or more bedrooms: £5,424 a month

Source: Office for National Statistics private rents, August 2026 (provisional - it may still be revised)

Energy ratings

64% of local homes with an energy certificate are rated C or better.

Source: Office for National Statistics, energy certificates up to March 2025