Brent landlord licence bids to avoid poor housing conditions

Landlords who rent out properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green, will legally be required to pay for and have a licence from August 1.

Brent Council believes that a selective licensing scheme would have a “positive impact” in the three areas as it will help ensure landlords offer decent facilities and living areas.

The areas were selected following a consultation in autumn 2022.

Tenants in a Wembley home said they paid a combined total of more than £2,000 to have 11 people crammed in a three-bedroom home in poor condition (Image: Brent Council)

A licence will cost £640 for up to five years. Anyone who applied in the next few weeks before August 1 will be able to purchase a licence at the current rate of £540.

It comes after reports of poor housing conditions elsewhere in the borough this year.

Two homes – in Kenton and Kingsbury - that “suffered years of neglect” were turned around after previously attracting squatters, dumped rubbish, prostitution and a rat infestation.

In May enforcement officers found 11 people crammed into a rundown three-bedroom house in West Hill, Wembley.

Tenants were found to be sleeping in every room except for the kitchen and bathroom, and the place was deteriorating with blackened walls and ceilings from mould and damp.

Cllr Promise Knight, cabinet member for housing, homelessness and renters’ security, said it was “shocking and horrifying” that rogue landlords can make a profit while keeping in “dangerous and slum-like conditions”.

Brent Council was tipped-off that a landlord had 11 people living in this crammed home ( (Image: Brent Council)

Speaking on the new law that will be enforced soon, she said: “The landlords who work with us take pride in renting out properties that offer decent facilities and living conditions to tenants. The licensing scheme supports landlords in offering the best they can to tenants, ensuring that tenants’ safety and security are protected.

“We encourage landlords and agents with properties in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green and Willesden Green to apply for a licence as soon as possible.”

Landlords who fail to licence their properties could receive a civil penalty fine of up to £30,000 or a criminal conviction, Cllr Knight previously warned.