Property Licensing Guide for Brent
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Brent Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Brent? We’re here to help. This free guide will tell you the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Brent, and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK.
If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Brent?
Mandatory licensing in Brent
Mandatory licensing is required in Brent if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Brent?
Brent council operates an additional scheme covering all wards in the region. Privately rented properties which are occupied by three or more people from two different households will require a licence. The scheme runs from 01/02/2020 to 31/01/2025.
Do I need a selective licence in Brent?
Brent council operates two selective licensing schemes. These schemes require all privately rented properties in the designated areas to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
The introduction of Brent’s second selective licensing scheme in April 2024 means that all privately rented properties in Brent will require a selective licence except for those situated in the ward of Wembley Park: The breakdown of the two schemes is as follows:
- The first selective scheme in Brent covers Dollis Hill, Harlesden, Kensal Green, and Willesden Green wards, and runs from 01/08/2023 to 31/07/2028.
- The second selective scheme in Brent covers covers all the remaining wards in the area except for Wembley Park, and runs from 01/04/2024 to 31/03/2029.
How do I apply for a licence?
Brent Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Brent. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a property licence in Brent cost?
The fee for selective licences is £640.
The fees for additional and mandatory licences are £840, plus £25 for each additional habitable room over five.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 18th April 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Brent?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Brent Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a Brent property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Licensing enforcement efforts in Brent
Brent is intensifying its efforts to enforce licensing and improve living standards in the private rented sector (PRS). Targeting around 10,000 properties with severe health hazards, the borough has implemented rogue landlord banning orders and hired eight additional compliance officers to conduct 40,000 extra inspections annually. This crackdown responds to tenant group pressures and aims to address acute housing issues.
With the PRS growing from 32% of the housing stock in 2011 to 46% last year, the council estimates that over 10,000 privately rented homes have at least one ‘category 1’ health hazard. Councillor Promise Knight emphasised Brent’s commitment to prosecuting and fining rogue landlords, securing banning orders against criminal landlords, and improving living standards for private renters. The council has licensed more HMOs than any other London borough and introduced selective licensing in three wards to ensure better standards.
If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Brent, feel free to use our Brent property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Brent council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Brent Council is not currently consulting on any new licensing schemes.
Why has additional and selective licensing in Brent been introduced?
Brent has introduced licensing to ensure that private rented accommodation is well-managed, safe, and up to decent standards. With over 46% of Brent’s housing market being privately rented, this sector plays a crucial role in the borough. Many vulnerable residents, particularly those in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), face higher risks of overcrowding and fire.
The licensing schemes aim to support responsible landlords who maintain their properties well while ensuring that regulation is proportionate and focused. By expanding HMO and selective licensing, Brent addresses its priority of providing decent housing for all residents.
What do I need to apply for a property licence in Brent?
To apply for a property licence in Brent, the applicant must be the landlord or managing agent responsible for the property’s upkeep and repairs. The licence applies to the property, not the individual, and separate applications are needed for properties outside Brent.
You’ll need to provide full details of the licence holder, freeholders, leaseholders, mortgage companies, and other interested parties. A current gas safety certificate must be uploaded, and room categorization is required for mandatory or additional licences. This includes details of bedrooms, bedsits, self-contained flats, communal areas, room sizes, and fire safety measures.
After submission and fee payment, your application will be processed, and a draft licence with conditions will be issued. Owners can make representations, which may be incorporated into the final licence. The property will be inspected within the licence period to ensure compliance with conditions and safety standards.
About Brent
Brent is an outer borough of London, located on the northwestern edge of the metropolis and part of the historic county of Middlesex. Established in 1965 from the amalgamation of Wembley and Willesden, Brent includes areas such as Queensbury, Kenton, Preston, Kingsbury, Neasden, Wembley, Cricklewood, Willesden, and Kilburn. The borough is named after the small River Brent, a tributary of the Thames.
Brent features Victorian suburbs, industrial zones like Park Royal, and notable sites such as the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden. The Welsh Harp Reservoir and parks like Roundwood and Gladstone provide open spaces.. Brent covers 17 square miles (43 square km) with a population of 263,464 in 2001, rising to 311,215 by 2011.