Landlord licensing in Brighton & Hove City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties with five or more unrelated occupants forming two or more households and sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Yes, Brighton & Hove operates a city-wide additional HMO licensing scheme covering all HMOs that are not subject to mandatory licensing. This includes smaller HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated persons forming two or more households.

Selective licensing

Yes, selective licensing schemes are in operation in designated wards, applying to all privately rented homes that are not HMOs. Check the council's website for current designations.

Typical fees

Licence fees are typically around £1,100 for a five-year licence. Discounts may be available for accredited landlords and properties with good management records, while surcharges may apply for poor applications or management.

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 significant civil penalties and a Rent Repayment Order for up to 12 months of rent. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website. Ensure all properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, as this applies to all private rented homes from 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Keep gas, electrical and EPC certificates current and store the licence with your compliance records. Remember that under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords must not refuse to let to tenants receiving benefits or with children.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website