From today, Monday 2 February 2026, all privately rented properties in Brent must be licensed by law. Landlords operating without a licence risk prosecution and significant financial penalties.
A new licensing requirement for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has officially come into force, complementing the borough’s existing schemes for larger HMOs and single-let properties. This means that every landlord in Brent is now legally required to hold a valid licence.
One exemption applies to single-household homes in Wembley Park, which are exempt due to the area’s high proportion of new housing and low levels of anti-social behaviour.
Licensing plays a vital role in improving housing standards, protecting tenants and ensuring landlords meet their legal responsibilities.
There are now three licensing schemes in place and landlords are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct licence for their property:
- Additional HMO License - For smaller HMOs with three or four tenants from two or more households and includes HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing, such as section 257 HMOs (unless exempt) and HMOs in purpose-built flats (blocks with three or more self-contained flats)
- Mandatory HMO License - For larger HMOs with five or more people from two or more households
- Selective License - for any non-HMO rented property, including single-lets and family homes (except those located in Wembley Park)
