Government approves major new landlord licensing scheme in Brent

Monday, December 18th, 2023 - Brent Council

All landlords renting out properties in Brent will soon be legally required to have a selective licence, except in the council ward of Wembley Park. 

Brent Council already operates borough wide mandatory HMO and additional licensing schemes together with a selective licensing scheme in the council wards of Dollis Hill, Willesden Green and Harlesden & Kensal Green.

The government has recently approved plans for a second selective licensing scheme which will extend across the rest of the borough, except for the council ward of Wembley Park. The intention of the scheme is to drive up living standards for renters and build on Brent’s positive relationships with private landlords.

The scheme will come into force on 1 April 2024.

Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, Brent Council said:

“We are delighted that our proposal has been approved. It will be one of the largest selective licensing schemes in London.

“It’s a major win for both renters and landlords. The scheme will massively improve the standard of living for private renters who make up half of all Brent residents. It will also give landlords and agents complete clarity on their responsibilities regarding property management and safety.

“At a time when housing is at a crisis point across London, the introduction of selective licensing across Brent, with the exception of Wembley Park, will offer renters the assurance of security and safety when it comes their home.

“Brent will continue to work in partnership with good professional landlords but has a zero-tolerance approach towards rogue landlords. Any rogue landlords in Brent should be on notice that this expansion means that there will be nowhere in Brent for them to hide.” 

In 2023, the council issued its first banning order against a landlord, preventing him from letting houses in England for five years. Brent has also licensed more houses in multiple occupation than any other London borough and has one of the most proactive enforcement teams in London.

London Property Licensing understands that further details on how to apply for a licence will be announced in the New Year.

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

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