Apply for council or housing association homes in Brent
Apply to join the housing register in Brent.
Source
Brent Council
Benefits and money advice
Are you unsure of benefits you are entitled to?
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Brent Council
Brent Hubs
Brent Hubs offer a physical space for a range of local organisations and voluntary and community sector services to work together under one roof and provide a more localised service.
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Brent Council
Brent Social Tenancies
Understand the different social tenancies offered by Brent council
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Brent Council
Brent Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies and counselling services are suitable for people with problems which have arisen fairly recently.
Source
NHS
Central and Northwest London Mental Health Service
They offer services for all ages. You'll need to talk to your GP to use some mental health services. This is known as a GP referral.
Source
NHS
Dealing with Housing and Landlord issues
Are you having issues with your landlord? If your landlord is harassing you, refuses to carry out essential repairs, or is trying to evict you unlawfully then there is help available.
Source
Brent Council
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Category
Eviction
Disrepair
Landlord harassment
Rent or deposit issues
Debt or money problems
Welfare benefits
SourceHM Government
Looking for your new home
Things to check
Deposit cap: Check that the tenancy deposit you’re being asked for is not more than 5 weeks’ rent where annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where annual rent is more than £50,000.
Deposit protection: If the landlord asks for a deposit, check that it will be protected in a government-approved scheme. Some schemes hold the money, and some insure it. You may be able to access a bond or guarantee scheme that will help you put the deposit together. Contact your local council for advice. You may be offered a deposit replacement product as an alternative to a cash deposit. A landlord or agent cannot require you to use a deposit replacement product but may allow it as an option without breaking the Tenant Fees Act. There are several different deposit replacement products available. Depending on the product, you may need to pay a non-refundable fee up- front (often equivalent to one week’s rent) and/or a monthly payment for the duration of your tenancy. With most products, you will still be responsible for the costs of any damages incurred at the end of the tenancy or required to pay an excess on any claim for damages or unpaid rent. It is strongly advised to always check the terms and conditions and to see if it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Length of tenancy: There is usually a fixed period of 6 or 12 months. If you want more security, it may be worth asking whether the landlord is willing to agree to a longer fixed period. Alternatively, you may be offered a weekly or monthly assured shorthold tenancy which does not last for a fixed period. Even with those tenancies, the landlord must allow you to stay for a minimum of 6 months.
Smoking and pets: Check if there are any rules about them, as well as for other things such as keeping a bike, dealing with refuse and recycling.
Bills: Check who is responsible for bills such as electricity, gas, water and council tax. Usually, the tenant pays for these bills. See advice on paying bills.
Fixtures and fittings: Check you are happy with them, as it is unlikely that you will be able to get them changed once you have moved in.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Landlords must make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms that have a fixed combustion appliance and are used as living accommodation.
Safety: Check that the property is safe to live in, and use the ‘How to rent a safe home’ guide to help you identify possible hazards.
Fitness for human habitation: Your property must be safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm. If not, you can take your landlord to court. For more information, see the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 guide for tenants. You should also check whether your tenancy agreement excuses you from paying rent if the building becomes unfit to live in due to, for example, a fire or flood.Flood risk. Your area may be at risk of flooding. Check the long-term flood risk to find out.
Contact details
Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
