Brent and Ealing record most HMO fires in London as inspections rise

Brent and Ealing had more fires in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) than any other London borough between January 2025 and July 2026. The London Fire Brigade attended 31 incidents in Brent and 29 in Ealing during that period, according to figures released by the London Assembly.

Brent Council described the figures as concerning. The borough has one of the highest numbers of HMOs in London, with an estimated 17,000 properties. The council said this context was important when comparing fire incidents across boroughs.

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Inspections and enforcement

Last year, Brent Council inspected and assessed more than 5,000 licensed properties. The council said it prioritises larger and higher-risk HMOs for inspection. Where concerns are identified, landlords must carry out remedial works, and the council takes enforcement action where necessary.

In March, a landlord in Wembley was ordered to pay over £90,000 after cramming 18 people into an illegal HMO. Brent Council described the property as a dangerously overcrowded fire hazard with no working fire alarms.

“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.”

Brent Council spokesperson

Earlier this year, Brent introduced a new licensing scheme for smaller HMOs with fewer than five tenants. This followed evidence that a significant number of such properties were substandard and potentially dangerous. The scheme operates alongside an existing requirement for larger HMO landlords to be licensed.

Tougher stance on HMO applications

Brent is one of five London boroughs taking a tougher stance on HMO applications, according to data from Planning Lens. The council, along with Croydon, Waltham Forest, Barnet and Haringey, has refused more than half of its HMO applications. Despite this, Brent Council said a significant number of HMOs still pose a risk to residents.

Croydon Council has also introduced stricter planning and licensing rules for HMOs. A new licensing scheme will come into effect next month. Between 2021 and 2025, Croydon processed 405 new HMO applications but rejected 266 of them.

What happens next

Brent Council said it will continue to work with landlords and take enforcement action where safety standards are not met. The council said it will use its inspection and enforcement powers to drive up standards and reduce risks for residents living in HMOs.