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 £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
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 £30,000 or prosecution, and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order.
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 £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. 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.