North west London borough Brent is the latest to crack down on HMOs and landlords, and in a double attack on property owners, is also targeting second homes.

The council’s new plans to make landlords get HMO licences are an extension of a previous programme that ran for five years ending in January, that covered more than 2,500 HMOs.

Only a few days ago, near-neighbour Hounslow also announced a new HMO licensing scheme, to deal with anti-social behaviour.

We want to make sure these homes are safe and good quality for tenants.”

Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents’ Services, says: “Over the past 20 years, the number of privately rented homes in Brent has grown, and now makes up almost half of all homes in the borough.

“We want to make sure these homes are safe and good quality for tenants,” she says.

“While we have seen significant improvements, we believe that another additional HMO licensing scheme is necessary to maintain and improve the management of HMOs in Brent.”

The council is now running an HMO licensing consultation for 11 weeks, ending on 26 May.

Council Tax premium

And from 1 April, the council will also introduce a new Council Tax premium on second homes in the borough.

It says “families in the borough are already facing immense pressures due to the ongoing London-wide housing crisis.

“This charge is designed to encourage property owners to bring under-utilised homes back into full-time use.

Targeting

“It will match the charge introduced in 2024 for homes that have been left empty for more than a year. This is the maximum increase permitted under existing legislation.”

The council is targeting holiday homes, houses used for personal convenience, and second homes between tenancies.