Brent tops London for HMO fires as council tightens licensing
Thirty-one fires in houses of multiple occupation recorded between January 2025 and July 2026, the highest in the capital
Incident → evidence → outcomeBrent has recorded more fires in houses of multiple occupation than any other London borough over the past 19 months. Figures released by the London Assembly show 31 incidents between January 2025 and July 2026 that required the London Fire Brigade to attend. Ealing followed with 29 fires in the same period.
Brent Council said the numbers were concerning but noted the borough has one of the highest concentrations of HMOs in London. An estimated 17,000 such properties operate in Brent, many providing affordable housing for tenants on lower incomes.
Licensing scheme expanded after inspections reveal risks
In 2025, Brent introduced a new licensing requirement for smaller HMOs housing fewer than five tenants. The move followed evidence that a significant number of these properties were poorly maintained and posed safety risks. Larger HMOs have required licences for years.
Last year, the council inspected more than 5,000 licensed properties. Inspectors target higher-risk HMOs first, requiring landlords to carry out repairs where hazards are found. Enforcement action is taken against those who fail to comply.
“These figures are concerning and we recognise the seriousness of any fire in someone’s home. The safety of Brent residents is our priority, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure people living in houses of multiple occupation have safe and properly managed homes.”
In March 2026, a Wembley landlord was ordered to pay over £90,000 after cramming 18 people into an unlicensed HMO. Brent Council described the property as a dangerously overcrowded fire hazard with no working alarms. The case was prosecuted under housing safety laws.
Brent among toughest councils for HMO approvals
Brent is one of five London boroughs that refuse more than half of HMO licence applications. Data from Planning Lens shows the council rejected a majority of conversion requests between 2021 and 2025. Croydon, Waltham Forest, Barnet and Haringey also take a strict approach.
Despite these measures, Brent Council said a significant number of HMOs still present risks to residents. The council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it would continue using inspections and enforcement to drive up standards across the borough.
What happens next
Brent Council said it would maintain its programme of inspections and enforcement. Residents who suspect an HMO is unsafe can report it to the council’s private housing team. The team will investigate and take action if hazards are found.
Questions this report answers
01How many fires in HMOs has Brent had recently?
Brent recorded 31 fires in houses of multiple occupation between January 2025 and July 2026. This is the highest number of any London borough over that period, according to figures from the London Assembly.
02What is Brent Council doing about unsafe HMOs?
Brent Council introduced a new licensing scheme for smaller HMOs in 2025 and inspects over 5,000 properties a year. It targets higher-risk properties and takes enforcement action against landlords who fail to meet safety standards.
03Can I report an unsafe HMO in Brent?
Yes. Residents can report concerns about unsafe HMOs to Brent Council’s private housing team. The council will investigate and require landlords to make repairs or face enforcement action if hazards are found.
04Why does Brent have so many HMOs?
Brent has an estimated 17,000 HMOs, one of the highest numbers in London. The council says this reflects demand for affordable housing in the borough, but it also increases the risk of fires and poor living conditions.
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