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Letting in Brent: the rules and the numbers

What applies to rented homes in Brent, in one place: the licensing schemes and where they run, planning limits on house shares, what housing allowance pays, typical rents, and how local homes rate on energy. Every figure shows its source and date. For one property, enter its address above.

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Licences

Selective licensing
In parts of the area
Additional licensing
Applies here
Article 4 on house shares
In parts of the area
  • Selective licensing - every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 31 July 2028.
  • Selective licensing - every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 31 March 2029.
  • Additional licensing - house shares here need a licence from the council, until 2 February 2031.
  • House shares and planning - turning a home in parts of the council's area into a house share for 3 to 6 people from more than one household needs planning permission first. The council calls this an Article 4 direction.
Check where selective licensing appliesCheck where selective licensing appliesRead the additional licensing schemeCheck where the Article 4 direction applies

Anywhere in England, a house share of 5 or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council - an HMO licence.

Source: Brent Council, checked 26 September 2026

Housing allowance

Housing allowance is the most that benefits pay towards a tenant's rent each month.

  • In the Inner North London area: £708.27 for a room in a house share, £1,439.97 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,793.98 for a 2-bedroom home, £2,160.02 for a 3-bedroom home, £3,060.00 for a 4-bedroom home.
  • In the Inner West London area: £760.00 for a room in a house share, £1,350.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,625.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £2,050.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £2,550.00 for a 4-bedroom home.
  • In the North West London area: £621.33 for a room in a house share, £1,100.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,350.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £1,680.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £2,100.00 for a 4-bedroom home.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

Rents

The average rent here is £2,014 a month, up 3.4% on a year before.

1 bedroom
Average rent £1,577
Housing allowance £1,439.97 Inner North London
Housing allowance £1,350.00 Inner West London
Housing allowance £1,100.00 North West London
2 bedrooms
Average rent £1,934
Housing allowance £1,793.98 Inner North London
Housing allowance £1,625.00 Inner West London
Housing allowance £1,350.00 North West London
3 bedrooms
Average rent £2,271
Housing allowance £2,160.02 Inner North London
Housing allowance £2,050.00 Inner West London
Housing allowance £1,680.00 North West London
4 or more bedrooms
Average rent £3,052
Housing allowance £3,060.00 Inner North London
Housing allowance £2,550.00 Inner West London
Housing allowance £2,100.00 North West London

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

  • 1 bedroom: £1,577 a month
  • 2 bedrooms: £1,934 a month
  • 3 bedrooms: £2,271 a month
  • 4 or more bedrooms: £3,052 a month

Source: Office for National Statistics private rents, August 2026 (provisional - it may still be revised)

Energy ratings

62% of local homes with an energy certificate are rated C or better.

Source: Office for National Statistics, energy certificates up to March 2025