Brent Compliance Requirements
Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Brent. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.
2Licence Types
9Docs Required
Current: £840 + £25 per additional room. ~Feb 2026: £1,040 + £25 per additional room.HMO Fee
Licensing Requirements
Mandatory HMO
Required
Additional HMO
Required
Borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme effective from 2 February 2026 covering all HMOs with 3+ occupants
Selective Licensing
Not active
Article 4 Direction
Not in place
Check with planning department for specific area requirements
Exempt Accommodation
Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Contact council for assessment.
Property Standards
Minimum Room Sizes
single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
living room: Required for larger HMOs
Fire Safety Requirements
- Smoke alarms on every floor
- Heat detectors in kitchens
- Fire doors on escape routes
- Fire risk assessment required
- Fire safety equipment
- Clear escape routes
Required Certificates
Gas Safety
Annual gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Safety
EICR every 5 years minimum
EPC Rating
Minimum E rating required by law
Planning Permission
C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.
Additional Requirements
- Adequate heating throughout
- Hot and cold water
- Adequate ventilation
- Secure entry systems
- Waste management facilities
Required Documents
HMO licence application
Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment
Floor plans with measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership
Fees & Timeline
Licence Fees
- HMO Licence
- Current: £840 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room. From Feb 2026: £1,040 + £25 per additional room.
- Additional Licence
- From Feb 2026: £1,040 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room
Timeline
- Licence Processing
- 8-12 weeks typical
- Typical Setup Time
- 4-8 weeks from application to approval
Brent-Specific Notes
- Additional HMO licensing scheme launches 2 February 2026 — borough-wide coverage
- Previous additional scheme ended 31 January 2025
- New 2026 fees: £1,040 for up to 5 habitable rooms + £25 per additional room
- Fees split into Part 1 (application) and Part 2 (£500 after decision)
- £40 discount for accredited landlords (LLAS members)
- All licensed properties will be inspected
Frequently Asked Questions
What licences are required for HMOs in Brent?
Brent requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO. Borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme effective from 2 February 2026 covering all HMOs with 3+ occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Brent?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Brent?
The HMO licence fee in Brent is Current: £840 (up to 5 rooms) + £25 per additional room. From Feb 2026: £1,040 + £25 per additional room.. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Brent?
Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.
What documents are needed for compliance in Brent?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.
Contact & Sources
Council Contact
Brent Private Housing Team
privatehousing@brent.gov.uk
020 8937 5000
Brent Compliance Checklist
Tick off items you already have to see your compliance score.
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