Brighton & Hove expands selective licensing to improve rental housing

Brighton & Hove expands selective licensing to improve rental housing

Brighton & Hove council is extending its selective licensing scheme to cover more wards, aiming to enhance private rental housing conditions and support responsible landlords across the city.

Brighton & Hove council is expanding its selective licensing scheme to include two additional wards from autumn 2026, following a positive interim review of the initial rollout launched in 2024. Ultimately, 13 wards will be covered by the phased introduction of this licensing regime, affecting an estimated 7,274 properties in the private rented sector.

The council emphasises that the scheme is designed to improve housing conditions and management standards within the city’s growing private rental market, which now accounts for nearly a third of all households. It also aims to provide guidance and support to landlords, the majority of whom seek to offer secure and quality homes to tenants.

Details of the selective licensing expansion

The council has been actively communicating with landlords and letting agents to explain the licensing requirements and offer support throughout the process. The scheme’s rollout is intended to be gradual, allowing landlords time to comply with the new obligations.

Selective licensing requires landlords to obtain a licence from the local authority for their rental properties in designated areas. This licence is contingent on meeting specific management and property standards, and landlords must demonstrate their suitability to let properties. The council’s spokesperson highlighted that the scheme complements the enhanced renters’ rights introduced earlier in 2026, collectively aiming to boost tenant protections while aiding responsible landlords.

Selective licensing schemes typically involve fees paid by landlords, which fund the council’s regulatory activities, including property inspections, enforcement, and tenant support services. The council’s approach focuses on collaboration rather than punitive measures, emphasising a “win-win” outcome for landlords and tenants alike.

Context of selective licensing in the wider rental sector

Selective licensing has become an increasingly common tool for local authorities to address issues such as poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour, and ineffective management in the private rented sector. Councils use these schemes to raise standards, deter rogue landlords, and improve tenant safety and security.

Brighton & Hove’s expansion reflects a broader trend where councils are adopting or enlarging licensing schemes to cover more areas with significant private renting populations. This is particularly relevant as the private rented sector continues to grow in many urban areas, intensifying the need for effective regulation and oversight.

For landlords, selective licensing introduces additional compliance requirements, including maintaining properties to specified standards, keeping adequate records, and cooperating with council inspections. Failure to obtain a licence where required can result in financial penalties and difficulties in enforcing tenancy agreements.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Landlords operating in Brighton & Hove should assess whether their properties fall within the newly designated wards and prepare to apply for licences as required. Early engagement with the council’s guidance and support services can ease the application process and help ensure compliance.

Letting agents managing properties in the affected areas will need to update their compliance checks and advise landlords accordingly. They should also review tenancy agreements and management practices to align with the licensing conditions, which may include addressing property maintenance, tenant communication, and record-keeping.

The phased rollout provides some time for landlords to adjust, but proactive preparation is advisable to avoid last-minute issues. Landlords should also monitor any further announcements from the council regarding the full rollout to all 13 wards.

Uncertainties and areas to watch

While the council has outlined its intentions and support framework, some details remain to be clarified, such as specific licence fees, the exact standards to be met, and enforcement procedures. Landlords should keep abreast of official updates and guidance to understand their obligations fully.

There is also potential for further expansions or adjustments to licensing schemes depending on the council’s ongoing reviews and policy developments. The impact on landlord costs and rental market dynamics in Brighton & Hove will be important to observe over time.

What landlords should consider now

• Identify if any properties are within the new selective licensing wards and begin preparing licence applications.
• Review property conditions and management practices to ensure they meet expected standards.
• Engage with the council’s support resources and communications to stay informed about deadlines and requirements.
• Coordinate with letting agents to update compliance processes and tenant communications.
• Keep records of all correspondence and compliance actions related to licensing for future reference.

Supporting landlords through regulatory changes

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to evolving licensing requirements such as those in Brighton & Hove. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can benefit from detailed information on property standards, licensing procedures, and regulatory updates.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently available in BETA testing, aims to assist landlords in organising property records, managing rental documentation, and recording key compliance actions. Features relevant to selective licensing include tracking licence applications, storing inspection reports, and maintaining evidence of property management standards.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can help landlords stay organised and better prepared for licensing obligations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

As Brighton & Hove progresses with its selective licensing expansion, landlords and agents should prioritise understanding and meeting these new responsibilities to support both tenant welfare and sustainable rental business operations.

Sources: Landlord Today