London council brings all PRS homes under mandatory licensing

All privately rented homes in one London borough must now be licensed under new rules.

The council says the move will expose unregistered landlords to prosecution and heavy financial penalties.

A fresh requirement covering smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation has now formally taken effect.

That scheme is now sitting alongside existing schemes for larger shared homes and single-let properties in Brent.

Using data to find landlords

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Coun Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, said: “With this new scheme now in effect, all landlords in Brent must meet clear legal standards for the letting and management of their properties, ensuring consistent standards across the private rented sector.

“Landlords operating without a licence are breaking the law.

“Our enforcement team is actively working across the borough, using intelligence-led investigations and data analysis to identify those who are failing to comply.”

She added: “Brent is one of the leading local authorities in the country for licensing enforcement and any landlord who is not licensed must apply immediately to avoid enforcement action.”

Exception to Brent’s scheme

Brent Council says the only exception applies to single-household homes in Wembley Park.

They have been excluded because of the area’s high concentration of new-build housing and comparatively low levels of anti-social behaviour.

Council officers say licensing is central to raising housing standards, safeguarding tenants and ensuring landlords comply with their legal duties.

Landlords must now ensure they are covered by the correct scheme, the council warns.

HMO licenses in Brent

Additional HMO licenses apply to smaller shared properties with three or four occupants from more than one household, including some section 257 HMOs and certain purpose-built flats. Mandatory HMO licenses remain in place for larger shared homes with five or more residents.

Selective licenses cover non-HMO rented homes such as single lets and family houses, excluding those in Wembley Park.

Brent is warning landlords that failure to hold the correct licence can lead to prosecution, civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence, rent repayment orders and limits on future lettings.