Brighton landlords should distinguish the selective licensing scheme already in force from a proposed expansion that has been paused. The council’s current guidance makes that distinction clear, replacing the much broader picture described in our September 2023 archive report.
The scheme already operating
Brighton & Hove City Council identifies Kemptown, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, Queens Park, and Whitehawk and Marina as the wards covered by the existing scheme. It runs from 2 September 2024 to 1 September 2029.
The council says it covers relevant properties let to a single occupier, two occupiers or a family. It also identifies certain single-storey homes occupied by three or four unrelated people which fall outside the mandatory or additional HMO schemes. Owners should check the applicable category and exemptions for their particular property rather than assume every shared home needs the same licence.
What has been paused
The council says plans for a further scheme covering Central Hove and Regency, designated on 6 July 2026, have been paused pending review of a legal challenge. Associated landlord engagement events have also been postponed. That does not mean the existing four-ward scheme has stopped.
A practical check for owners and agents
Start with the exact property address and the council’s boundary map. A familiar neighbourhood name is not a reliable substitute for checking the designated area. Then record the household arrangements and identify whether selective, additional HMO or mandatory HMO licensing is relevant.
Use the council’s current application and fee pages when preparing a budget. An old news story’s proposed charge should not be used as a quotation for a present application. Keep a dated copy of your checks with the property’s compliance records, especially if you manage homes close to a boundary.
For buyers, licensing belongs in due diligence before agreeing a rental investment budget. Ask what permissions apply to the intended use and obtain advice on any uncertainty before relying on projected income.
This article updates a 2023 archive item using the council’s current selective licensing guidance, checked on 5 November 2026. The paused expansion may change following the review; consult the council before acting. This is general information, not advice on an individual property.