Landlord licensing in Brighton & Hove City Council
South East · England · Postcode areas BN
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory
- Additional licensing
- Yes - city-wide additional HMO licensing scheme covering all HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing.
- Selective licensing
- Yes - designated wards have selective licensing for all privately rented homes.
- Typical fees
- From approximately £1,100 for a five-year licence, with discounts available for accredited landlords.
- Towns covered
- Brighton, Hove, Kemptown, Portslade
What this means for you
If you let a property in Brighton & Hove City Council, check whether it falls inside a licensing designation before you advertise it. Properties let without a licence can lead to an unlimited civil penalty and a rent repayment order for up to 12 months of rent. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website, keep gas, electrical and EPC certificates current, and ensure all properties meet the Decent Homes Standard as required by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Store the licence with your compliance records.
Official links
Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with Brighton & Hove City Council before letting. Last reviewed 2 August 2026.