Does My Brighton and Hove Property Need a Rental Licence?

Landlords in Brighton and Hove must be aware that the city council has implemented two new property licensing schemes in 2024: an Additional Licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a Selective Licensing scheme for all privately rented properties in specific wards. These schemes mean that a significant majority of landlords operating in the city will require a licence for their rental properties, with the Additional Licensing scheme commencing on 1 July 2024 and the Selective Licensing scheme following on 2 September 2024.

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest concentrations of HMOs in England, largely driven by its substantial student population from the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. This context is fundamental to understanding the council's approach to property licensing, as the Additional Licensing scheme applies to all HMOs across the entire city.

Understanding Property Licensing in Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council's decision to introduce both Additional and Selective Licensing schemes reflects a targeted effort to improve housing standards and management within the private rented sector. As a landlord, understanding which scheme applies to your property is essential for compliance.

Additional Licensing for HMOs

The Additional Licensing scheme covers all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) throughout the entire Brighton and Hove city area. This scheme applies to properties that are rented out by three or more tenants forming two or more households, who share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom, and is not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing. Given Brighton's student demographic, many properties that might not typically be considered HMOs under mandatory licensing rules will fall under this additional scheme.

Selective Licensing for Specific Wards

The Selective Licensing scheme targets all privately rented properties, regardless of whether they are HMOs or single-family dwellings, within specific geographical areas. For Brighton and Hove, this scheme is focused on wards in the east of the city. These include:

* East Brighton

* Moulsecoomb and Bevendean

* Hollingdean and Fiveways

If your rental property is located within any of these three wards, it will require a Selective Licence from 2 September 2024.

Key Dates and Scheme Timelines

Staying informed about the exact dates for each scheme is critical for landlords to avoid penalties. The council has provided clear start and end dates for both licensing periods.

Licence Fees for Brighton and Hove

The cost of obtaining a property licence in Brighton and Hove is a significant consideration for landlords. The council has indicated that licence fees are approximately £800 to £1,200, with the exact amount depending on factors such as the property size and potentially the number of occupants.

These fees are typically paid in stages, with an initial application fee and a final payment upon licence approval. Landlords should budget for these costs as part of their operational expenses.

What this means for your property

Consider a landlord who owns a three-bedroom terraced house in the Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward. This property is rented to a single family. Under the new regulations, this landlord's property will require a Selective Licence starting from 2 September 2024, solely because of its location within a designated Selective Licensing ward. The fact that it is not an HMO is irrelevant for the Selective scheme. The landlord will need to apply for this licence and pay the associated fee, likely in the £800-£1,200 range, to continue legally letting the property.

In another scenario, a landlord owns a four-bedroom flat near the University of Brighton, rented to four students who are not related. This property is an HMO. From 1 July 2024, this landlord will need an Additional Licence for their property, regardless of its specific ward location, as the Additional scheme applies city-wide to HMOs.

How to apply

Brighton and Hove City Council manages the application process through its dedicated housing services department. Landlords should:

1. Identify the correct scheme: Determine whether your property falls under Additional Licensing, Selective Licensing, or both (though this is rare for a single property, it's important to check). Most properties will only fall under one.

2. Gather required documents: This typically includes floor plans, gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates, energy performance certificates (EPCs), and details of property management arrangements.

3. Complete the online application: The council provides an online portal for submitting applications. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

4. Pay the fee: Be prepared to pay the application fee as part of the submission process.

5. Await inspection and approval: The council may conduct a property inspection before granting the licence.

It is advisable to begin the application process well in advance of the scheme start dates to ensure continuous compliance.

Check your specific property

To confirm the exact licensing requirements for your rental property in Brighton and Hove, use a dedicated property licensing checker tool. This will provide clarity on whether your property needs an Additional or Selective Licence based on its address and characteristics.