Brent Council mandates licensing for all private rentals now

Key Points

• A new selective landlord licensing scheme came into effect in Brent on Monday, February 2, 2026, requiring all privately rented properties to be licensed.
• The scheme extends to smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with three or four tenants from two or more households, complementing existing schemes for larger HMOs and single-let properties.
• Brent now operates three licensing schemes: Additional HMO Licence for smaller HMOs, Mandatory HMO Licence for properties with five or more tenants from multiple households, and Selective Licence for all other privately rented properties, including single-lets and family homes.
• The only exemption applies to single-household properties in Wembley Park, due to the high proportion of new homes and lower levels of anti-social behaviour in the area.
• Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Brent Council’s cabinet member for housing, stated that everyone deserves a safe, secure, and well-maintained home, and landlords must meet clear legal standards.
• Unlicensed landlords face prosecution, civil penalties up to £30,000 per offence, rent repayment orders, and restrictions on future lettings.
• The council’s enforcement team is using intelligence-led investigations and data analysis to identify non-compliant landlords.
• Brent is recognised as one of the leading local authorities in the country for licensing enforcement.
• The scheme aims to improve housing standards, protect tenants, and ensure landlords meet legal responsibilities.

Brent, (North London News) February 6, 2026 – Brent Council has introduced a comprehensive new landlord licensing scheme, mandating that every privately rented property in the borough must now be covered under a legal licensing framework to elevate housing standards and safeguard tenants.​

The updated rules, which went live on Monday, February 2, 2026, extend licensing requirements to all privately rented homes, including smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This measure complements the council’s existing licensing schemes for larger HMOs and single-let properties, marking a significant step towards uniform regulation across the private rented sector in Brent.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Brent Council’s cabinet member for housing, emphasised the importance of the initiative. As reported in coverage by London Now, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson said:

“Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home.”​

She further elaborated on the legal obligations for landlords, stating:

“With this new scheme now in effect, all landlords in Brent must meet clear legal standards for the letting and management of their properties, ensuring consistent standards across the private rented sector.”​

What Triggered the New Licensing Scheme in Brent?

The introduction of this scheme addresses longstanding concerns over varying housing standards in the private rented sector. Brent Council has positioned itself as a proactive authority in tackling substandard rentals, with the new rules filling gaps left by previous targeted schemes.

As per the official announcement covered by local media, the Selective Licence scheme now applies to all privately rented properties except for single-household homes in Wembley Park. This exemption recognises the area’s distinct profile, characterised by a high proportion of newly built homes and comparatively lower incidences of anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson highlighted the council’s robust approach to compliance. She noted:

“Landlords operating without a licence are breaking the law.”

This statement underscores the zero-tolerance policy now in place.​

Which Licensing Schemes Operate in Brent?

Brent now maintains three distinct licensing frameworks to cover the full spectrum of private rentals, ensuring comprehensive oversight.

The Additional HMO Licence targets smaller HMOs, specifically those housing three or four tenants from two or more households. This is a key expansion under the new rules.

The Mandatory HMO Licence remains in place for larger properties accommodating five or more tenants from multiple households, a requirement mandated by national legislation.

Finally, the Selective Licence scheme envelops all remaining privately rented properties, including single-let units and family homes, thereby closing previous loopholes.

As detailed in the council’s public statement, these schemes collectively play a vital role in improving housing standards, protecting tenants, and holding landlords accountable for their legal responsibilities.​

Are There Any Exemptions to the Scheme?

Yes, a narrow exemption exists for single-household properties located in Wembley Park. This decision stems from the area’s demographics, where new developments predominate and anti-social behaviour levels are lower than elsewhere in the borough.

No other exemptions apply, meaning the vast majority of landlords must secure the appropriate licence without delay.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliant Landlords?

Landlords found operating without the requisite licence face severe repercussions designed to deter violations.

Prosecution is a primary consequence, alongside civil penalties reaching up to £30,000 per offence. These fines reflect the seriousness with which Brent Council views non-compliance.

Additional measures include rent repayment orders, which compel landlords to refund tenants for unlawfully collected rent, and restrictions on future lettings, potentially barring properties from the rental market.

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson warned of imminent action, stating:

“Our enforcement team is actively working across the borough, using intelligence-led investigations and data analysis to identify those who are failing to comply.”​

How Is Brent Council Enforcing the New Rules?

Enforcement forms the cornerstone of the scheme’s success, with Brent Council leveraging advanced methods to ensure adherence.

The council’s dedicated team employs intelligence-led investigations, drawing on data analysis to pinpoint unlicensed operations swiftly and effectively.

Brent’s reputation in this domain is notable. As Councillor Donnelly-Jackson affirmed:

“Brent is one of the leading local authorities in the country for licensing enforcement and any landlord who is not licensed must apply immediately to avoid enforcement action.”​

This proactive stance builds on years of experience, positioning the borough as a model for others in regulating private rentals.

Why Does Licensing Matter for Tenants and Landlords?

Licensing serves multiple critical functions, primarily elevating housing quality and tenant safety.

For tenants, it guarantees that properties meet minimum standards for safety, security, and maintenance, reducing risks associated with substandard accommodations.

Landlords benefit indirectly by operating within a regulated environment that fosters professionalism and compliance, potentially enhancing property values and tenant retention.

The scheme’s broad coverage ensures consistency, preventing a patchwork of standards that previously allowed rogue operators to undercut responsible ones.

What Steps Must Landlords Take Now?

Landlords unaware of the changes or yet to apply should act promptly to avoid penalties.

Applications for the appropriate licence—whether Additional HMO, Mandatory HMO, or Selective—must be submitted via Brent Council’s official channels.

The council urges immediate compliance, with processing times and requirements detailed on their website to facilitate straightforward applications.

Failure to do so risks not only financial penalties but also operational disruptions.

How Does This Fit into Broader Housing Policies in Brent?

This initiative aligns with Brent Council’s wider housing strategy, which prioritises tenant protection amid rising demand for rentals in North London.

Previous efforts, such as targeted HMO licensing, have laid the groundwork, with the new scheme representing an evolution rather than a wholesale reinvention.

Local media, including London Now, have linked this to ongoing concerns over fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour in adjacent areas, though the licensing focuses squarely on rental quality.

What Have Stakeholders Said About the Scheme?

Official voices dominate the narrative, with Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson providing the most direct commentary.

Her statements, as reported across sources, consistently emphasise safety, enforcement, and legal duty.

While tenant advocacy groups and landlord associations have not issued specific responses in initial coverage, the council anticipates broad support for measures enhancing sector standards.

When Did the Scheme Officially Launch?

The precise launch date was Monday, February 2, 2026, aligning with the start of the week to maximise awareness and compliance timelines.

This timing allows landlords a clear runway to prepare, though retrospective enforcement may apply to ongoing unlicensed lets.

Where Can Landlords Find Application Details?

Detailed guidance resides on Brent Council’s housing portal, including eligibility criteria, fees, and inspection processes.

Prospective applicants are directed to contact the licensing team for personalised advice, ensuring smooth transitions to compliance.