A scheme to improve the quality and security of rental accommodation in Brighton & Hove is being expanded after the council saw a positive impact in the first 4 areas it was introduced. By Nick Staunton
Brighton & Hove City Council’s selective licensing scheme is part of the commitment set out in it housing strategy of improving living standards and providing local people with good quality, secure and affordable homes.
Launched across 4 local wards (Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, Queens Park, and Whitehawk & Brighton Marina) in 2024, the goal was to help ensure rented homes are safe, in good condition and that issues like damp or disrepair are promptly tackled when and if they arise.
It also looks to help people feel more secure in their tenancy and sets out firm requirements for landlords to adhere strictly to gas, electricity and fire safety regulations.
For landlords, the scheme helps by providing a clear understanding of what they need to do by law, helping them avoid fines or enforcement action later.
It also tackles rogue landlords, drives poor quality practice from the sector, helps support longer term, more reliable tenants – meaning fewer periods where properties sit empty between lets.
Following a successful interim review of the scheme’s impact, the council will now expand it to 2 further wards in the autumn, with designation notices for the Regency and Central Hove wards published on Monday 6 July.
The council had previously approved the roll-out of the selective licensing scheme to 13 areas of the city, which are now being introduced in a phased approach.
It means that landlords in Regency and Central Hove wards will need to apply for a selective licence if they are renting to one occupier, two occupiers, or a family.
Council staff have contacted landlords and agents to outline the scheme, and support is available to guide people through the process.
It is estimated that up to 7,274 properties will require a licence.
Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The aim of our selective licensing scheme is to improve the conditions and management of our expanding private rental sector.
“With nearly a third of households in Brighton & Hove privately rented, we know this has the potential to have a huge impact on people, the quality of their housing and the security they feel.
“But it is also about providing support and guidance to local landlords, the overwhelmingly majority of whom want to provide secure and high-quality housing to their tenants.
“It really is a win-win. It has been great to see the impact it has already had and I look forward to seeing that positive impact being felt across the city as it is rolled out further.
“Coming in tandem with the introduction of enhanced renter’s rights earlier this year, it is fantastic to see genuine steps being made to provide more protection for tenants – and more support for responsible landlords.
“Everyone deserves a secure home and each of these policies is a step towards achieving just that.”
The Renters’ Rights Act was introduced on 1 May 2026 and gives councils more powers to investigate landlords and enforce compliance, alongside the introduction of higher fines and penalties for breaches of rental laws. The council introduced a new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy in May to reflect the changes in national legislation.
The plan is for the selective licensing scheme to come into effect in the Regency and Central Hove wards from October 2026.
A full, comprehensive review of the impact of the initial scheme is scheduled for 2029.
