Brent Council Landlord Licensing: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of renting out property in north London, one thing on your to-do list should be checking out the rules about landlord licensing.

Selective landlord licensing now applies across most of Brent borough, meaning that landlords need to apply for a licence to rent out property here, regardless of how many people live at the rental home. Fail to do so and you could face a large fine of up to £30,000, and find yourself unable to rent locally in future. The same applies if you rent out a house in multiple occupation (HMO) that’s covered under the mandatory HMO licensing scheme, or there’s an additional landlord licence scheme in operation.

For anyone looking to let a home in Dollis Hill, Cricklewood, Kilburn or Queens Park or the surrounding areas, we unravel the Brent Council landlord licensing rules, to help you avoid any costly mistakes and fulfilling your landlord obligations to tenants.

What is a landlord licence?

Landlords must apply for a licence to rent out properties in certain circumstances. There are three types of landlord licensing – mandatory licensing, additional licensing and selective licensing:

• Mandatory licences apply to large houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). These are rental properties housing five or more tenants from more than one household sharing at least some of the facilities, such as kitchens or living areas. All landlords in England and Wales must apply for an HMO licence for this type of property.
• Additional licences can be introduced by councils in an effort to improve the standard of privately rented property in their area. They apply to smaller HMOs (of three or more people) in specific parts of the council’s area.
• Selective licences can also be brought in by local councils. They apply to all rental properties in a certain geographic location.

Take a look here for some official guidance from Brent council on the subject of landlord licensing across the local areas.

Why were selective landlord licences introduced?

The government gave councils the right to bring in selective landlord licensing to tackle issues such as crime and antisocial behaviour in areas with a lot of rented property. The scheme also addresses poor housing standards held to by some landlords. Councils are required to consult local residents before they introduce a selective licensing scheme.

Where do you need a selective licence in Brent?

Selective licensing applies to almost all of Brent borough, meaning that you will likely need to apply to the council if you want to let a property in the area.

This includes privately rented properties occupied by a single person, one household, or two people sharing – in addition to the usual rules about HMOs.

Area 1 – Brent’s selective licensing scheme

Brent’s first selective licensing scheme came into force on 1 August 2023. It covers three council wards: Harlesden & Kensal Green, Dollis Hill and Willesden Green.

Area 2 – Brent’s selective licensing scheme

A second scheme was introduced on 1 April 2024 and covers all of the remaining 18 wards in Brent, apart from Wembley Park: Queensbury, Kingsbury, Kenton, Northwick Park, Preston, Barnhill, Welsh Harp, Sudbury, Wembley Central, Wembley Hill, Tokyngton, Alperton, Stonebridge, Roundwood, Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Brondesbury Park, Queens Park and Kilburn.

Read full details on the Brent Council website.

Remember that if you rent out property to five or more unrelated people you will need a mandatory licence, wherever the property is located.

Prior to 31 January 2025, Brent landlords would need an additional licence for HMOs rented to between 3 and 5 people, however the scheme ended on 31 January 2025. Brent Council have proposed a new additional licence scheme, so look out for updates if your property is rented to more than three people from two or more households.

How do you get a landlord licence?

You need to apply for a landlord licence on the Brent council website (whichever type you need). You’ll have to supply your details, as landlord, as well as the details of the property’s freeholder and your mortgage company.

You’ll need a copy of your current gas safe certificate, EICR, details of your fire alarms and safety systems plus other details, including the number of kitchens, bedrooms and communal areas plus all room sizes. This will help the council assess your application and hopefully grant your licence.

We work closely with the Brent Licensing Team and are constantly liaising with them to ensure our landlords’ properties fully meet the conditions they require.

What criteria must a Brent landlord meet?

To apply you must be the landlord or agent able to authorise, organise and pay for repairs to the property. Landlords must meet health and safety standards, including gas and electrical safety, and fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The property’s furnishings must be fire safe, locks must be securely fitted, refuse arrangements made, and pest control taken care of.

The rules also require you to take references from tenants, protect their deposit in an approved scheme and take action on anti-social behaviour. You must also provide written records of rent payments if requested by the council.

Once you have received your licence, the property will be inspected to check it meets certain standards and there are no hazards that would affect your tenants.

How much does it cost to get a licence?

A Brent selective licence currently costs £640. Fees are charged in two parts. Part A (£340) must be paid on application. It is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Part B (£300) is paid once the council has agreed to grant you a licence. The licence renewal fee is constantly changing, but stands at around £600 – but be sure to double check for price changes on the council website.

Mandatory licences in Brent cost more, standing at £840.

Additionally, you have to pay £25 for each additional habitable room after five rooms. These are also paid in two halves, the first part upon application, and the second part upon receiving the licence. The proposed new additional licence is expected to cost around £1,040 plus £25 for each additional room, as reported by the BBC. Again, these costs can change, so it’s important to check the council website for any updates.

Finally, if you have a London Landlord Accreditation Scheme membership, then fees for all licences are reduced by £40.

What are the consequences for not having a licence?

It is a criminal offence to fail to have a licence if you need one with a maximum fine of £30,000. If you are convicted, you could also be liable to repay rent to your tenants. You may also find it difficult to rent out property in future.

Landlords can also be issued a rent repayment order by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to repay tenants as much as 12 months’ rent if you fail to get a landlord licence, comply with a council improvement notice or otherwise breach local rental laws.

And finally

If you are a new landlord with property in areas such as Willesden Green, West Hampstead, Neasden, Harlesden, Kensal Rise and beyond, we would love to advise you about selective licensing schemes – and much, much more.

We can apply for a licence on your behalf if you’re using our rent collect or management services, and we regularly meet the licensing officers when they inspect properties to ensure everything is in good order. See our landlord compliance checklist for further guidance on your responsibilities to tenants, and understand related matters, like who pays tax on empty rental property.

Talk to us today to discuss your property and how we might help.