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Brent HMO Licensing

Brent Council's borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme has been live since 2 February 2026. If you rent out an HMO with 3 or more occupants in Brent, you must apply for a licence.

Licensing is Live — Apply Now

Brent's additional HMO licensing has been in effect since 2 February 2026. Landlords operating without a licence face civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence and unlimited fines through prosecution. From 1 May 2026, tenants can also claim up to 24 months' rent back through Rent Repayment Orders.

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Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

Covers all HMOs with 3 or more occupants forming 2 or more households across the entire borough of Brent. This replaces the previous scheme that ended on 31 January 2025. The new fee represents a 24% increase from the previous £840.

Base Fee (up to 5 rooms)£1,040

Part 1 £540 + Part 2 £500

Additional Rooms+£25/room

Per habitable room above 5

Scope: Borough-wide — all qualifying HMOs

Available Discount

✓£40 off — Accredited landlord (London Landlord Accreditation Scheme member)

Part 1 (£540) is non-refundable if the application is refused, rejected, or withdrawn. All licensed properties will be inspected.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

£40k

Civil penalty per offence

Unlimited

Fines via prosecution

24 months

Rent Repayment Orders (from 1 May 2026)

Documents Required for Your Application

EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
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Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
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Fire Risk Assessment
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Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Floor plans with room measurements
Building insurance certificate
Proof of identity (landlord)
Proof of ownership or management

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Brent additional HMO licensing start?
Brent's borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme went live on 2 February 2026. Applications are now open. All qualifying HMOs must be licensed — operating without one is a criminal offence.
Which properties need a Brent HMO licence?
All HMOs with 3 or more occupants forming 2 or more households across the entire borough of Brent need an additional HMO licence. This is on top of mandatory licensing for larger HMOs (5+ occupants). The scheme covers 3–4 person HMOs that were previously unlicensed.
How much does a Brent HMO licence cost?
The licence fee is £1,040 for properties with up to 5 habitable rooms, plus £25 per additional room. This is a 24% increase from the previous fee of £840. The fee is split into Part 1 (£540 on application) and Part 2 (£500 after the decision is made).
Are there any discounts on the Brent licence fee?
Yes. Accredited landlords who are members of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) receive a £40 discount. Part 1 (£540) is non-refundable if the application is refused, rejected, or withdrawn.
What documents do I need for my Brent licence application?
You need: a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), a Fire Risk Assessment, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), floor plans with room measurements, building insurance, proof of identity, and proof of ownership or management authorisation.
What happens if I don't get a licence in Brent?
Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence under the Housing Act 2004. Brent Council can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence (effective 1 May 2026), prosecute with unlimited fines, and tenants can apply for Rent Repayment Orders to recover up to 24 months' rent.
How long does the Brent licence application take?
Brent Council typically processes applications within 8–12 weeks. You should apply as soon as possible — operating without a licence while your application is pending may still result in enforcement action if there are significant compliance issues.
What are Rent Repayment Orders and when do they apply?
From 1 May 2026, tenants in unlicensed HMOs can apply to a tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), recovering up to 24 months' rent from the landlord. This applies to any period during which the property should have been licensed but was not. This is in addition to any civil penalty the council may impose.

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You need an EICR, gas safety certificate, and fire risk assessment to apply for a Brent HMO licence. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.

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Brent Private Housing Team

Email: privatehousing@brent.gov.uk

Phone: 020 8937 5000

Official licensing page →