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Branch address

Regal Asset Managers Limited
T/A Regal Estates
383 High Road, Willesden
London NW10 2JR

T: 020 8459 2530

Opening hours

Monday – Friday: 9.00AM – 6.00PM
Saturday: 9.30AM – 3.00PM
Sunday: Closed.

If you call the office outside of these hours please feel free to leave a message and one of our team will get back to you during opening hours.

Useful information

Transport: The nearest tube station to our office is Dollis Hill located on the Jubilee line. We are located a very short walk from Willesden Bus Garage and bus routes 52, 98, 260, 266, 302 & 460

Parking: Pay & Display parking on surrounding roads or free parking for a short period available at B&M Willesden.

New HMO requirements in Brent

about 2 years ago
New HMO requirements in Brent

Due to new laws implemented from October 1 2018, any property with five or more unrelated residents from at least two separate households living in a three storey property will require the landlord to seek a Mandatory HMO licence.

This means that any rented houses in multi-occupation (HMOs) in Brent and the wards of HarlesdenWembley Central and Willesden Green must have an HMO licence to avoid being liable for prosecution or a fine.

If you do not apply for a licence, or your current licence runs out before a new one is received, you could be liable for prosecution and an unlimited fine. If found guilty you would also be given either a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, or a criminal record, as well as being banned from running a rental property.

HMO licences explained

Any landlord who owns a property that houses five unrelated people from at least two separate households requires a Mandatory licence.

Owners of small HMOs require Additional licencing. This is defined as being a property rented out to three or more people who make up two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys in the property itself.

Households are defined as being either an entire family group living together; a single person living alone; a couple in a relationship; or a married couple in separate rooms within the same property. For example, if there are five unrelated people living in different rooms sharing the same facilities, this would be classed as five households.

New licence fees explained

The reason behind the extension of the HMO licencing scheme in Brent is to raise standards within the private housing sector. This is to ensure residents are able to secure affordable and high quality accommodation within the borough.

Fees associated with the application of a licence also increased from June 1 2018. Brent council have stressed they are not allowed to make any profit from the scheme as it has to be cost neutral. They have explained the price increase as being required to cover costs related to the setup, running and enforcement of the scheme.

 

Licence type Description Old fees New fees Renewal cost
Mandatory Houses with three or more storeys, with five or more unrelated people comprising of two or more households £540 + £25 for each extra habitable room above the minimum five habitable rooms (discounts may apply) £840 + £25 for each extra habitable room above the minimum five habitable rooms £740
Additional All privately rented properties with five or more unrelated people comprising of two or more households, with no restriction on the amount of storeys £540 (discounts may apply) £840 £740

If you already have accreditation via the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS or ATLAS) you may be able to receive a £40 discount per property application. This is a good will gesture from Brent council in recognition of the many well-managed properties already located within the borough.

Get in touch with our expert HMO consultation and management service today to see how we can help you understand the legal requirements related to HMO property ownership and whether or not your property requires a licence.

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