Landlord licensing in Eastbourne Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more tenants forming two or more households who share an amenity such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations run for up to five years and are ward or street-specific, so confirm the position for the exact address.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise.

Towns covered

Eastbourne

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Eastbourne Council area, landlords should first determine which licensing regime applies. Mandatory HMO licensing is for properties let to five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing may extend to smaller HMOs, with designations lasting up to five years and varying by ward or street. Selective licensing can apply to all private rented homes, including single-family lets, in designated areas. Always check current designations, fees, and boundaries on the council's licensing pages before a new tenancy, as these can change. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) introduced periodic assured tenancies, ended section 21 'no-fault' evictions, and established a national landlord database and ombudsman. Regardless of licensing, maintain an evidence pack for every tenancy, including a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website