How many private renters are there in Brent?
In 2016, the Office for National Statistics found 120,600 private renters living in the borough. By 2020, this figure had decreased to 107,300 private renters. Current figures are expected to be higher as people have moved back to London post-pandemic. If you’re looking to join forces with other renters, you’re in luck! Brent has its own advice agency dedicated to private renters, Advice4Renters.
Why don’t private renters opt towards buying a house?
Unfortunately, for a majority of private renters this just isn’t attainable. In 2021, the average house costs almost 16 times more than average earnings in Brent! Just a decade ago, is figure stood at 13.43.
What about getting a council house?
At present, the demand for council homes in Brent exceeds the supply.
In 2021, the Office for National Statistics found a whopping 24,002 households on the waiting list for a council house. A significant increase when compared to figures from 2016, which only saw 3,630 households on the list. Brent Council has an average wait time of 14 years for a council property!
Looks like we’re stuck in the private rented sector. Let’s talk rent…
In the 12 months leading up to March 2016, according to the Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents for Brent were:
Room in a shared house: £650
One bedroom flat: £950
Two bedroom flat: £1500
Three bedroom property: £1820
Four bedroom property: £2401
The private rental market has shifted significantly since 2016 and is currently facing a deep crisis.
In the 12 months leading up to September 2022, according to the Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents for Brent were:
Room in a shared house: £600
One bedroom flat: £1192
Two bedroom flat: £1400
Three bedroom property: £1800
Four bedroom property: £2200
Housing costs have increased significantly since then. And these figures exclude bills and council tax.
Covering the costs
Rent prices are inarguably high for those living in the private rented sector in Brent. Findings from the English Housing Survey (2019-2020) indicate that private renters in London spend an average of 42% of their household income on rent.
Are there private renters who rely on housing benefits to stay afloat?
Yes- 17,000 private renters in Brent claimed housing benefits to cover their rent in 2015. Unfortunately, the data hasn’t been updated to reflect more recent times but considering the rising cost of living and exponential rents, this figure is expected to be higher.
And does housing benefit cover it?
No. The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the maximum amount of housing benefit you can get, regardless of whether you’re a private renter (renting from a private landlord) or a social renter (renting from the council or a housing association). The amount of housing benefit available depends on whereabouts in the borough you live. As of 1 April 2024, the monthly LHA rates in Brent are:
Inner North London (e.g. West Hampstead, Brondesbury, Cricklewood)
Room in a shared house: £706.33
One-bedroom flat: £1436.02
Two-bedroom flat: £1789.06
Three-bedrooms: £2154.10
Four bedrooms: £3051.62
Inner West London (e.g. Harlesden)
Room in a shared house: £757.90
One-bedroom flat: £1620.54
Two-bedrooms: £1620.54
Three-bedrooms: £2044.38
Four bedrooms: £2543.02
Can I talk to the council about problems with my private landlord?
If you have problems with your landlord such as disrepair or general disputes, Brent Council offers help and advice on 020 8937 2000.
If you receive a Section 21 notice (no-fault eviction), Brent Council recommends you consult The Tenants Voice to see if your notice is valid.
Always seek legal advice if you receive a notice seeking possession or an eviction notice.
Are there any Tenancy Relations Officers?
Not really, but the Private Housing Team can assist with enforcement with disrepair cases where the landlord is not being compliant. You can reach them on 020 8937 2000
Does Brent require landlords to be licensed?
All houses in multiple occupation in Brent should be licensed by the council.
In 2018, Brent introduced Additional Licensing to Dudden Hill, Kensal Green, Kilburn, Mapesbury and Queens Park electoral Wards. If you live there, whether it’s shared or self-contained, a flat or a house, your home should be licensed by the council.
In 2019, Brent Council wished to extend licensing into other parts of the borough, to help ensure minimum standards in the homes of more residents. But so doing required permission from national government. The Secretary of State (Rt Hon Robert Jenrick) refused permission for an expanded property licensing regime. Brent Council is now working with government to find out what more evidence might be needed to make the case for property licensing. In the meantime, Brent Council promises to continue to work to improve the safety and quality of privately rented homes in the borough.
Does Barnet council run a non-profit letting agency for private renters?
Yes, The Direct Lettings (DL) scheme is a free service where the council introduces private sector landlords to tenants.
Does Brent council have a Private Rented Sector (PRS) forum, where private renters can discuss ways to make private renting better?
No, but you can get involved in Renters’ Rights Brent!
How many prosecutions have been made against criminal landlords by Brent Council?
The council has a zero-tolerance policy towards unlicensed properties and nearly 100 landlords and agents have been prosecuted in the past 18 months. Brent’s enforcement team raids around 12 unlicensed properties a week. A landlord without a licence could face a criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.
If you suspect someone is renting out unlicensed property in Brent, you are encouraged to report them anonymously here
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Brent?
Every council is divided between Councillors, who are elected politicians, and non-political officers, who are appointed to do a particular job.
In Brent, these people should be able to help:
Councillor Promise Knight
Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness & Renters’ Security
email:
mob. 07467 000266
Councillor Neil Nerva
Cabinet Member for Public Health & Adult Social Care
email:
mob.: 07721 233 057
Ms Sue Harper
Strategic Director, Environment and Neighbourhoods
email: