Brent HMO licensing guide

Brent HMO licence — do you need one?

Brent has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Brent announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 2 February 2026

New Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 2 February 2026)

Cabinet approved a new borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in October 2025, which came into force on 2 February 2026 and runs until 1 February 2031. It covers privately rented HMOs occupied by 3–4 people from 2+ households, including Section 257 HMOs and purpose-built flat HMOs.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Brent-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Brent — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Brent?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Brent runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Brent?
Brent currently has one scheme on our register: New Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 2 February 2026) (from 2 February 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Brent?
The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Brent's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Brent?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Brent can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Brent?
HMO licence applications in Brent are handled by London Borough of Brent. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Start freeSee features

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Brent with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Brent schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Brent before letting or applying for a licence.