News

Brent landlords warned as new licensing scheme comes into force

Monday, February 2nd, 2026 - Brent Council

A new additional landlord licensing scheme came into force in the London borough of Brent today (Monday 2 February 2026).

The new licensing scheme extends licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) including shared houses and flats occupied by three or four people. Licensing now applies to most private rented homes in Brent.

There are three landlord licensing schemes operating in Brent and it is vital to ensure your property has the correct licence:

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies to most HMOs occupied by five or more people from two or more households

Additional HMO licensing

Extends licensing to smaller HMOs occupied by three or four people from two or more households, multi-occupied flats in purpose built blocks and so-called ‘Section 257 HMOs’.

Selective licensing

Extends licensing to properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated people. This scheme applies borough wide except for the Wembley Park ward. We understand this area was excluded due to the area’s high proportion of new housing and low levels of anti-social behaviour.

According to the council, these licensing schemes play a vital role in improving housing standards, protecting tenants and ensuring landlords meet their legal responsibilities.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Brent Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home. With this new scheme now in effect, all landlords in Brent must meet clear legal standards for the letting and management of their properties, ensuring consistent standards across the private rented sector.

“Landlords operating without a licence are breaking the law. Our enforcement team is actively working across the borough, using intelligence-led investigations and data analysis to identify those who are failing to comply.

“Brent is one of the leading local authorities in the country for licensing enforcement and any landlord who is not licensed must apply immediately to avoid enforcement action.”

Landlords operating without the correct licence face serious consequences, including prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court, civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence, rent repayment orders and restrictions on future lettings.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Brent is available here.