Licensing in some areas Selective licensing in 6 wards (Central Hove and Regency from 20 October 2026).
Licensing schemes in Brighton and Hove
| Scheme | Applies to | Area | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England | Since 2006 (national law) |
| Selective licensing | Homes let to 1 or 2 people or a family | Kemptown, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, Queen's Park, Whitehawk and Brighton Marina | 2 September 2024 to 1 September 2029 |
| Selective licensing | Homes let to 1 or 2 people or a family | Central Hove and Regency | 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031 |
What this means for landlords in Brighton and Hove
- The council has approved a phased rollout to 13 areas, so more wards may follow.
- Brighton and Hove also licenses HMOs. Check the council's HMO pages for which wards are covered.
How to check your property
- Work out who lives there: how many people, and whether they are one household or sharers.
- Check the exact address against the council's map or address checker. Schemes often cover parts of wards, and boundaries change.
- Apply before you let, or straight away if a new scheme has started. Letting without a required licence can lead to a fine or civil penalty and a rent repayment order.
- Check planning too. Some areas need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO (an Article 4 direction).
Our free council finder tells you which council covers a postcode, and the HMO compliance checker helps you work out whether a property is an HMO.
Official information: Brighton & Hove City Council: selective licensing
Other councils
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out a house in Brighton and Hove?
It depends on the property, who lives there and exactly where it is. Every council licenses larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households). In Brighton and Hove, selective licensing applies to homes let to 1 or 2 people or a family in the designated wards (Started 2024); selective licensing applies to homes let to 1 or 2 people or a family in Central Hove and Regency (20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031). Check the address with Brighton & Hove City Council.
What happens if I let a property in Brighton and Hove without a licence?
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty, and tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order.
How does LandlordHub help with licensing?
LandlordHub tracks each property's licence alongside gas, electrical, EPC and other certificates, and reminds you before anything expires. The council finder and HMO checker are free to use without an account.