Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Designation 1/2023: Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green wards | 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2028 | £640 per property (£340 on application, non-refundable; £300 on grant of licence); renewal £600 |
| Selective licensing | Designation 2/2023 (confirmed by the Secretary of State on 30 November 2023): Alperton, Barnhill, Brondesbury Park, Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Kenton, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Northwick Park, Preston, Queens Park, Queensbury, Roundwood, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Welsh Harp, Wembley Central and Wembley Hill wards (Wembley Park ward is not covered). | 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 | £640 per property (£340 on application, non-refundable; £300 on grant of licence); renewal £600 |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole borough (the whole area of the district of the London Borough of Brent) | 2 February 2026 to 2 February 2031 | £1,040 per licence from 2 February 2026 (£540 on application, £500 on grant of licence); renewal £940 |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Brent Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £640 per property (£340 on application, non-refundable; £300 on grant of licence); renewal £600; Selective licensing £640 per property (£340 on application, non-refundable; £300 on grant of licence); renewal £600; Additional HMO licensing £1,040 per licence from 2 February 2026 (£540 on application, £500 on grant of licence); renewal £940.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Council states that failing to licence can lead to an unlimited fine and criminal record on prosecution, or a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence (some sections of the page still say £30,000), plus possible banning orders and rent repayment orders.
What else to know about Brent Council
- Selective licensing covers every Brent ward except Wembley Park, split across two designations starting 1 August 2023 and 1 April 2024.
- Mandatory HMO licences in Brent cost £1,040 from 2 February 2026 plus £25 for each habitable room over the first five.
- Members of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme get a £40 reduction on Brent licence fees.
- Brent charges £100 if council staff help you complete a licence application.
- Applications are made through the Brent portal, where you register for an account and complete the online form; the council also publishes a public licence register.
- The licensing team can be contacted at prslicensing@brent.gov.uk or 020 8937 2384/5.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Brent Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Designation 1/2023: Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green wards; Designation 2/2023 (confirmed by the Secretary of State on 30 November 2023): Alperton, Barnhill, Brondesbury Park, Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Kenton, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Northwick Park, Preston, Queens Park, Queensbury, Roundwood, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Welsh Harp, Wembley Central and Wembley Hill wards (Wembley Park ward is not covered).. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Brent Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole borough (the whole area of the district of the London Borough of Brent).
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://portal.brent.gov.uk