Summary of Brent Council’s Housing Initiatives

HMO Licensing Crackdown

• Brent Council plans to reinstate a licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to target rogue landlords and improve housing standards.
• The new scheme will extend licensing to smaller HMOs with three or more tenants from multiple households.
• Housing officers will have greater authority to inspect and enforce compliance.
• The scheme is expected to launch in autumn 2025, with an online consultation open until 26 May.

Council Tax Premium for Second Homes

• From 1 April 2025, Brent will introduce a Council Tax premium for second homes to address the borough’s housing shortage.
• The charge applies to:
  • Holiday homes
  • Properties used for personal convenience
  • Homes left vacant between tenancies
• This aligns with the 2024 premium on properties left empty for more than a year.