Selective licensing in Brent
Yes. Brent operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Brent?
Yes. Brent operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Brent does the scheme cover?
Two designations. Designation 1/2023, made by Cabinet 17 April 2023, in force 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2028: Dollis Hill, Harlesden and Kensal Green, Willesden Green. Designation 2/2023, made by Cabinet 17 July 2023 and confirmed by the Secretary of State 30 November 2023, in force from about April 2024 for five years, covering 18 wards: Alperton, Barnhill, Brondesbury Park, Cricklewood and Mapesbury, Kenton, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Northwick Park, Preston, Queens Park, Queensbury, Roundwood, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Welsh Harp, Wembley Central, Wembley Hill. Wembley Park is excluded because it does not meet the criteria. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Brent's scheme end?
The designation runs until 31 July 2028, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£640. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Brent before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part 1 | £340 |
| Part 2 | £300 |
| Total | £640 |
- Renewal £600 (£300 + £300)
- £40 discount for London Landlord Accreditation Scheme members
Brent, read 28 August 2026
What the designation says
Brent operates selective licensing under two separate designations, which together cover almost the whole borough. The first came into force on 1 August 2023 and runs to 31 July 2028, covering Harlesden and Kensal Green, Dollis Hill and Willesden Green. The second came into force on 1 April 2024 and runs to 31 March 2029, covering every ward except Wembley Park. Between them a landlord letting almost anywhere in Brent needs a selective licence. The scheme applies to privately rented homes that are not licensable as houses in multiple occupation, so it catches an ordinary flat or house let to one person, a couple or a single household. The published application fee is £640, taken in two parts: £340 on application, which is not refundable, and £300 on grant. Letting without a required licence is a criminal offence carrying a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or prosecution, and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order. The £40,000 ceiling applies to offences committed on or after 1 May 2026; the £30,000 ceiling still applies to offences committed before that date.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Brent before letting.