The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has recently identified serious failings in Brent Council’s performance as a landlord — findings that should serve as a stark warning to property owners and managers across the capital. The investigation, reported by the BBC, revealed troubling issues with fire safety compliance, housing repairs, and record management, particularly concerning fire risk assessment London requirements.
According to the RSH, many fire risk cases in Brent were marked as “closed” without any evidence that the necessary safety actions had actually been completed. This raises significant concerns not only about the safety of tenants but also about the council’s compliance with legal obligations designed to prevent fire-related tragedies.
The scale of the problem
A spot check carried out by regulators found that, while approximately 12,500 fire risk assessment actions had been marked as completed, there was no supporting evidence for high- and medium-risk cases. In some instances, no action had been taken at all. This lack of follow-through puts residents at unnecessary risk and leaves the council vulnerable to potential enforcement action in the future.
This is a reminder for private landlords: documentation and evidence matter just as much as the completion of safety checks. If you arrange a fire risk assessment in London, you must keep certified proof of completion. Services like Landlords Checks – Fire Risk Assessments (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/) provide official reports that are accepted by councils, insurers, and legal bodies — ensuring you remain fully compliant.
Beyond fire safety: other safety gaps exposed
The review also revealed worrying inconsistencies in Brent Council’s wider safety management:
Smoke and carbon monoxide safety records were incomplete.
Asbestos management information was missing or inaccurate.
Water safety inspections and records were unreliable.
Nearly half of the council’s housing stock had no recorded safety survey, despite official claims that 95% of homes had been inspected. This mismatch between reported data and actual compliance is one of the most concerning elements of the regulator’s findings.
For private landlords, this should serve as a wake-up call — it’s not enough to assume that safety measures are in place. You must actively ensure accurate, up-to-date records for every property you manage. This includes maintaining documentation for all safety checks such as Gas Safety Certificates (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/gas-safety-certificate/), EICRs (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/electrical-installation-condition-report-eicr/), and EPCs (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/energy-performance-certificate-epc/).
Regulatory oversight and Brent Council’s response
Although the RSH has not yet taken formal enforcement action, it has confirmed that it will monitor Brent Council’s improvement efforts closely. The council has acknowledged its shortcomings, issued a public apology, and committed to an action plan to address the issues.
This ongoing monitoring means Brent will be under scrutiny for months — if not years — to come. Landlords across London should take note: regulators are willing to intervene when safety obligations are neglected. With the growing focus on fire risk assessments in London, local councils and private landlords alike are expected to meet — and prove — compliance.
Why private landlords should act now
For private landlords, the Brent case underscores three key lessons:
Compliance is continuous – Safety checks are not a one-off task. They require regular updates, proper record-keeping, and evidence storage.
Documentation is as important as the action – If you can’t prove the work has been done, you may as well not have done it in the eyes of the law.
Local focus matters – Regulations can differ slightly depending on the borough. Partnering with a local provider for your fire risk assessment London ensures you meet both national and local requirements.
By using trusted providers like Landlords Checks, landlords can book multiple safety services in one visit, receive professional, certified documentation, and reduce the risk of costly penalties.
Final word: Don’t wait for a crisis
The situation in Brent is a stark example of what happens when safety responsibilities are neglected. For private landlords, this is an opportunity to act proactively rather than reactively. By scheduling your fire risk assessment London and other safety checks now, you protect not only your tenants but also your reputation and financial security.
Whether you need a Fire Risk Assessment (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/), Gas Safety Certificate (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/gas-safety-certificate/), or EICR (https://landlordschecks.co.uk/electrical-installation-condition-report-eicr/), Landlords Checks offers a fast, compliant, and affordable solution for London property owners.
