Brent HMO Licensing Requirements 2026: Landlord Guide

Brent's property licensing landscape is changing significantly in 2026. A new additional HMO licensing scheme launches on 2 February 2026, replacing a previous scheme that ended in January 2025. This creates both opportunities and obligations for landlords — particularly those operating smaller HMOs that previously required licensing and then had a gap period.

This guide covers Brent's mandatory HMO licensing, the new February 2026 additional scheme, fees, property standards, and what you need to do to prepare.

Brent's Licensing Schemes

Brent operates mandatory HMO licensing now and is launching additional licensing in February 2026.

Mandatory HMO Licensing

This national scheme applies to larger HMOs with five or more occupants from two or more households sharing facilities.

Current status: Active now Licence term: Five years Coverage: Borough-wide for qualifying properties

Additional HMO Licensing — NEW from February 2026

Brent's new additional licensing scheme launches on 2 February 2026 and covers all HMOs with three or more occupants borough-wide.

Key details:

• Launch date: 2 February 2026
• Coverage: Borough-wide
• Threshold: 3+ occupants from 2+ households
• Previous scheme: Ended 31 January 2025

Gap period: There's been a gap between the previous additional scheme ending (January 2025) and the new scheme launching (February 2026). Properties with 3-4 occupants haven't needed additional licences during this period but will from February 2026.

Selective Licensing

Brent does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.

Fees: New Structure for 2026

Brent has announced new fee structures for the February 2026 scheme.

Mandatory HMO Licence

Current fees: £840 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room

From February 2026: £1,040 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room

Examples (from Feb 2026):

• 5-room HMO: £1,040
• 6-room HMO: £1,065
• 7-room HMO: £1,090

Fees are increasing by £200 for the base rate from February 2026.

Additional HMO Licence — From February 2026

Fee structure: £1,040 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room

Same structure as mandatory HMO licensing.

Two-Part Fee Structure

Brent splits fees:

• Part 1: Application fee (paid on submission)
• Part 2: £500 (paid after decision)

This structure applies to both mandatory and additional licences.

Discounts

LLAS members: £40 discount available

If you're a member of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, you can claim a £40 reduction on your licence fee.

Property Inspections

Brent has stated that all licensed properties will be inspected. This is a stronger commitment than many boroughs make and indicates a hands-on enforcement approach.

Expect:

• Pre-licence inspection
• Periodic compliance inspections
• Enforcement action for non-compliance

Processing Times

Standard processing: 8-12 weeks

Given the inspection commitment, applications may trend toward the longer end of this range.

Property Standards in Brent

Brent applies national HMO standards with a commitment to thorough inspection.

Room Size Requirements

Minimum floor areas:

• Single bedroom (1 person): 6.51 square metres
• Double bedroom (2 persons): 10.22 square metres
• Kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
• Living room: Required for larger HMOs

The council will measure during inspection. Undersized rooms cannot be used as bedrooms.

Fire Safety Standards

Requirements include:

• Smoke alarms: On every floor
• Heat detectors: Required in kitchens
• Fire doors: On escape routes
• Fire risk assessment: Required
• Fire safety equipment: Required
• Clear escape routes: Must be maintained

Gas and Electrical Safety

• Gas safety: Annual CP12 certificate
• Electrical safety: EICR every 5 years minimum
• EPC rating: Minimum E rating required by law

Additional Requirements

• Adequate heating throughout
• Hot and cold water
• Adequate ventilation
• Secure entry systems
• Waste management facilities

Required Documentation

Prepare these documents before applying:

Licensing Documents:

• HMO licence application
• Floor plans with measurements
• Building insurance certificate
• Landlord identity verification
• Proof of ownership

Safety Certificates:

• Gas safety certificate (CP12)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Fire risk assessment

Supported Living and Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may qualify for exemption from HMO licensing under Housing Act 2004 sections 254 and 257. However:

• Exemption is assessed case-by-case
• Contact the council to confirm your status
• Exemption does not exempt you from property standards
• All licensed properties will be inspected, including those applying for exemption

Even exempt supported living providers should prepare for inspections and maintain full compliance with property standards.

The February 2026 Launch: What to Do

If you operate a 3-4 occupant HMO in Brent, here's your action plan:

Before February 2026

1. Assess your property: Check compliance with HMO standards
2. Make improvements: Address any deficiencies
3. Gather documents: Collect certificates and plans
4. Budget for fees: £1,040+ depending on property size
5. Check accreditation: Join LLAS for £40 discount

From February 2026

1. Apply promptly: Submit your application
2. Schedule inspection: The council will inspect
3. Comply with conditions: Any licence conditions must be met

If You Were Licensed Under Previous Scheme

If you held an additional HMO licence under the previous scheme (before January 2025):

• Your licence expired in January 2025
• You'll need a new licence from February 2026
• Reapply under the new scheme
• Don't assume continuity — treat it as a fresh application

Enforcement and Penalties

Brent's commitment to inspecting all licensed properties signals strong enforcement. Penalties include:

• Civil penalties up to £30,000 per offence
• Rent repayment orders (up to 12 months' rent)
• Prohibition orders
• Criminal prosecution for serious breaches

Given the universal inspection commitment, non-compliance will be detected.

Planning Permission

For HMOs:

• 3-6 occupants: C4 use class
• 7+ occupants: Sui Generis use class

Check with the planning department before converting properties. Some areas may have restrictions.

Borough-Specific Considerations

February 2026 Launch

The new scheme's 2 February 2026 launch creates a clear deadline. Mark your calendar and prepare in advance.

Fee Increases

The £200 increase in base fees (from £840 to £1,040) is significant. Budget for the new rates if you're applying from February 2026.

Universal Inspections

Brent's commitment to inspecting all licensed properties is unusual and indicates a rigorous approach. Prepare for inspection as part of your application process.

Diverse Supported Living Market

Brent has a diverse supported living market. The council is familiar with these properties' specific requirements but enforces standards rigorously.

Getting Help

Brent Private Housing Team

• Email: privatehousing@brent.gov.uk
• Phone: 020 8937 5000
• Website: brent.gov.uk/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo-licence

The team can provide updates on the February 2026 scheme launch and answer technical questions.

BoroughReady Support for Brent

The February 2026 launch creates urgency for Brent landlords. BoroughReady's Brent compliance pack includes:

• Pre-February 2026 property assessment
• Fee calculation with LLAS discount
• Document templates
• Fire risk assessment guidance
• Inspection preparation
• Application support
• Renewal tracking

Get your Brent compliance quote and ensure you're ready for the 2 February 2026 scheme launch.

Summary

Brent's licensing landscape is changing:

1. Mandatory HMO licensing continues (fees increasing Feb 2026)
2. Additional licensing launches 2 February 2026
3. Fees: £1,040 base + £25 per additional room (from Feb 2026)
4. £40 discount for LLAS members
5. All licensed properties will be inspected

If you operate a 3-4 occupant HMO in Brent, start preparing now. The February 2026 deadline is fixed, and universal inspections mean full compliance is essential.

For the latest requirements, check Brent Council's HMO licensing pages.