How many of us are there?
In 2015, the Office for National Statistics found 63,800 private renters in Brent. that’s nearly a third of people living in the borough. The current figure is probably higher. When it comes to finding other renters to join forces with, you’re in luck: Brent has an active Renters’ Rights Brent project, as well as its own advice agency dedicated to private renters, Advice4Renters.
If renting is so bad, why don’t private renters just buy a house?
Because in Brent the average home costs 15.25 times the average income. This puts home ownership beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Why can’t they get a council house then?
Because there are currently 3, 630 households on the waiting list for a council house in the borough.
Looks like we’re stuck in the private rented sector then. What’s it going to cost?
Monthly median average rents in Brent, recorded by the Valuation Office Agency, are below. Remember, these figures don’t include fuel or council tax bills:
Room in a shared house: £650
Studio flat: £950
Two-bedroom flat: £1,500
Three-bedroom flat: £1,820
House with four or more bedrooms: £2,401
That’s a lot. I guess that means a lot of private renters have to claim housing benefit to live then?
Yes – more than 17,000 private renters in Brent need housing benefit to cover their rent.
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 monthly LHA in Brent is:
Room in a shared house: £436.63 (Inner North London) or £479.00 (Inner West London)
One-bedroom flat: £1,129.44 (Inner West London) or £1,053.78 (Inner North London)
Two-bedroom flat: £1,308.67
Three-bedroom: £1,536
House with four or more bedrooms: £1,807.13
How many privately rented homes in the borough are overcrowded?
The 2011 Census found 18% of private rented households in the borough were overcrowded.
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 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?
Brent has extended the usual mandatory license scheme so that most rental properties now require a licence. However this depends on the size of the property and what ward it falls under. All properties in Harlesden, Wembley Central or Willesden Green require a license. To find out if your property should have a license, look here.
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 might be useful to talk to:
Cllr Muhammed Butt
Leader of the Council
cllr.muhammed.butt@brent.gov.uk
Cllr Harbi Farah
Lead Member for Regeneration and Housing
Mobile: 07721 232 965
Ms Sue Harper
Strategic Director, Environment and Neighbourhoods
sue.harper@brent.gov.uk