Brent HMO licence — mandatory & additional schemes

A factual reference page for landlords letting a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Brent. It explains the England-wide mandatory HMO rules, signposts the council's own additional HMO position, and links to Brent's published HMO page so you can confirm the current scheme and apply.

Mandatory HMO baseline (England-wide)

Any HMO occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households requires a mandatory HMO licence anywhere in England. The rule sits in the Housing Act 2004 and the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018. The licence is granted by the local council — in your case, Brent.

Additional HMO schemes in Brent

On top of the mandatory scheme, councils can designate additional HMO licensing covering smaller HMOs (typically 3–4 occupants from 2+ households). Our recorded position for Brent: Brent states that a new Additional Licence scheme comes into force on 2 February 2026. It will be needed for all privately rented properties occupied by three or four people making up two or more households, and also applies to HMOs outside the mandatory scheme — certain buildings converted into self-contained flats that did not and still do not comply with the relevant Building Regulations where less than two thirds of the flats are owner occupied, and HMOs in certain purpose-built blocks of flats. Brent separately operates selective licensing designations.

FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Brent? If your property is occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, a mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England — including Brent. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) may also need a licence if the council has designated an additional HMO scheme. Confirm the current scheme on the council's HMO page.

What counts as a household for HMO purposes? A household is a single person, members of the same family living together (including couples and unmarried partners), or carers/au pairs. The Housing Act 2004 sets the test. Five people who are not all related and don't form a single family unit count as 2+ households.

What's the penalty for letting an unlicensed HMO? Letting an HMO that requires a licence without one is an offence under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. Councils can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 in lieu of prosecution, and tenants or the council can apply for a Rent Repayment Order for up to 24 months' rent (doubled from 12 months by the Renters' Rights Act 2025).

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (HMO licensing) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/part/2 - legislation.gov.uk — Licensing of HMOs (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/221/contents/made - GOV.UK — House in multiple occupation (HMO) licence — https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence - Brent — landlord licensing page — https://www.brent.gov.uk/housing/landlords/property-licensing - Brent — HMO licensing page — https://www.brent.gov.uk/housing/landlords/property-licensing

Last verified: 2026-08-16. Reference data only — always check the council's own page before applying.