Tackling Poorly Managed Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Brent is a diverse borough where everyone deserves to live in a safe, clean neighbourhood. However, the rapid growth of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), combined with lacklustre enforcement and poor oversight, has led to
serious and ongoing problems for residents across Brent.
Too many HMOs are not being properly managed by landlords. This is resulting in:
- Illegal fly-tipping and overflowing waste
- Increased anti-social behaviour
- Poor property maintenance and neglect
- Streets and neighbourhoods feeling run-down and uncared-for
While responsible landlords play an important role in providing housing, the current system is failing residents. The Labour‑run Council already holds significant data through its Borough-wide Landlord Licensing scheme, yet this information is not being used effectively to identify, engage with and take action against rogue landlords.
The Brent Liberal Democrats believe the Council must urgently change course: getting a grip on existing HMOs before allowing any more to be approved, strengthening standards, and putting residents first.
The Problem
- HMOs are increasingly concentrated in certain neighbourhoods, placing pressure on local services and community cohesion.
- Poor waste management at HMOs contributes disproportionately to fly‑tipping and street clutter.
- Inadequate oversight allows repeat offenders to continue operating with little consequence.
- Residents feel ignored when they report issues, undermining trust in the Council.
Without decisive action, these problems will continue to spread causing further damage.
Our Proposal
The Brent Liberal Democrats propose a comprehensive reset of how HMOs are managed and regulated in the borough.
No New HMOs
- No new HMOs should be approved in Brent until a full review of HMO licensing and enforcement is completed.
- This pause will allow the Council to focus resources on fixing existing problems rather than expanding them.
Full Review of the HMO Registration Process
- Conduct an urgent review of how HMOs are registered and approved.
- Assess whether current checks are robust enough to prevent unsuitable properties from becoming HMOs.
- Identify gaps in enforcement and compliance monitoring.
Clear Guidance Before Approval
Introduce clear, accessible guidance for landlords before a property can be converted into an HMO.
Guidance must cover:
- Waste and recycling responsibilities
- Property maintenance standards
- Management of tenants and anti‑social behaviour
- Ongoing communication with neighbours and the Council
Better Use of Landlord Licensing Data
Actively use data from the Landlord Licensing scheme to:
- Identify high‑risk and repeat‑offending landlords
- Target inspections and enforcement more effectively
- Engage early with landlords whose properties generate repeated complaints
Stronger Enforcement Against Problem Landlords
- Take swift enforcement action where landlords fail to meet required standards.
- Escalate penalties for repeat offenders, including fines and licence revocation where appropriate.
- Ensure residents are kept informed when action is taken following complaints.
Our Targets
The Brent Liberal Democrats will campaign to ensure the Council commits to:
- A borough‑wide pause on new HMO approvals until the review is completed
- Completion of a full HMO licensing and enforcement review
- Publication of clear pre‑approval guidance for landlords
- A measurable reduction in:
- Fly‑tipping linked to HMOs
- Anti‑social behaviour complaints associated with HMOs
- Increased enforcement action against non‑compliant landlords
We call on Brent Council to:
- Immediately pause approval of new HMOs
- Review and strengthen the HMO licensing and registration process
- Properly use landlord licensing data to tackle rogue landlords
- Enforce higher standards so every neighbourhood in Brent is clean, safe and properly cared for.
Get a Grip on problem Homes in Multiple Occupation in Brent
Add your name to demand better-managed homes and stronger action from Brent Council.