Brent Council has introduced a new borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme, significantly expanding the regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the borough. As of 2 February 2026, any property occupied by 3 or 4 people forming two or more households now requires a license.
Impact on Small HMOs
Previously, many smaller HMOs in Brent did not require a license unless they fell under the Mandatory Licensing criteria (5+ occupants). This new scheme removes those thresholds, ensuring that almost all shared houses in the borough are now subject to council inspection and licensing standards.
Expert Analysis
Consultant Jeff Glass explains: "Brent's new scheme is one of the most comprehensive in London. Landlords often underestimate the technical requirements for Additional Licensing, particularly regarding fire safety and room sizes. Compliance is non-negotiable."