Property Licensing Guide for Brighton and Hove
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Brighton and Hove Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Brighton and Hove? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Brighton and Hove and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Brighton and Hove?
Mandatory licensing in Brighton and Hove:
Mandatory licensing is required in Brighton and Hove if your property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Brighton and Hove?
From the first of 1st July 2024 and running until 30th June 2029 an additional scheme covering the entire Brighton and Hove region has launched.
Additional licensing applies to all HMOs with 3 or 4 people from 2 different households. For the additional licensing scheme in Brighton and Hove, only properties that are 2 or more storeys are required to obtain an additional licence
Do I need a selective licence in Brighton and Hove?
Selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties in specific areas, regardless of the number of occupants or households.
Brighton and Hove has one upcoming selective licensing scheme. The scheme will run from 2nd September 2024 to 1st September 2029.
The wards covered by this selective scheme in Brighton and Hove are Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean
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How do I apply for a licence in Brighton and Hove?
Brighton and Hove Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licensing application service for Brighton and Hove. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory licensing: £845 for 5 occupants, with increasing costs depending on the extra number of people. Full details can be found here
Additional licensing: £824
Selective licensing: £1051
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 1st July 2024
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Brighton and Hove?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Brighton and Hove Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Brighton and Hove planning to introduce any new licensing schemes?
Yes, Brighton and Hove Council are introducing new additional and selective schemes. The additional licensing scheme starts on 1st July 2024, and the selective licensing scheme starts on 2nd September 2024.
Why has additional licensing in Brighton and Hove been introduced?
The primary goal of the new Brighton additional scheme is to address inconsistent management and property conditions in the city’s private rental sector, which constitutes over a third of households. The previous 5-year Additional Licensing Scheme improved conditions for around 1,900 HMOs, benefitting 5,500 tenants. The new scheme is expected to cover approximately 2,200 properties, continuing the efforts to enhance the standards of rented accommodations in Brighton & Hove.
Do I need planning permission to convert my property into a HMO in Brighton and Hove?
If you want to convert your property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Brighton & Hove, you will likely need planning permission. An HMO is defined as a house with 3 or more unrelated occupants sharing amenities. Due to the Article 4 Direction, planning permission is required for converting a single dwelling (C3) to an HMO (C4).
HMOs housing 7 or more people always need planning permission. City policies CP21 and DM7 restrict new HMOs in areas with high HMO concentrations and ensure appropriate living standards are met.
What are the HMO licensing standards in Brighton and Hove?
Brighton and Hove City Council’s HMO licensing standards require landlords to obtain tenant references, follow right-to-rent rules, and provide a detailed tenancy agreement. Properties must adhere to occupancy limits, ensure uninterrupted utilities, and conduct annual gas safety checks with carbon monoxide and smoke alarms installed.
Electrical safety inspections are needed every five years, and adequate heating must be provided. Furniture must meet fire safety standards, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required. Landlords must maintain properties in good repair, conduct bi-annual inspections, and manage waste properly. Any changes affecting the licence must be reported to the council.
About Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove, a city and unitary authority in East Sussex, southeastern England, lies on the English Channel, 51 miles south of London. Granted city status in 2000, it has the largest population on England’s southern coast and serves as the main commercial hub of Sussex. The unitary authority encompasses the seaside resorts of Brighton and Hove, as well as surrounding communities, extending from the coast into the South Downs. It borders East Sussex to the east and West Sussex to the west. The University of Sussex is located on its northeastern edge. Key economic sectors include tourism and financial services. The area spans 32 square miles, with a population of 247,817 in 2001, increasing to 273,369 by 2011.
