Brighton & Hove City Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme

Here at Aston Vaughan Lettings, we understand how the new Selective Licencing Scheme has come as a shock to some of our valued landlords. With this in mind, we want to support you in any way we can to ensure your properties are legally licensed to avoid any fines from Brighton & Hove City Council.

We hope to empower you with all the relevant information you may need, such as costings and dates so we can move forward, together, doing what we do best: looking after you, your tenants and your properties.

What is Selective Licensing?

Selective Licensing is not dissimilar from the current HMO Licensing Scheme.

As of September 2^nd, 2024, the new Selective Licensing will apply to all privately rented properties, regardless of the number of occupants or households.

Brighton & Hove currently has one upcoming selective licensing scheme which will run for 5-years from 2nd September 2024 to 1st September 2029. The wards covered by this selective scheme are Kemptown, Queen’s Park, Whitehawk & Marina, and Moulsecoomb & Bevendean.

Why is this happening now?

The primary goal of the new Selective Scheme is to address inconsistent management and property conditions in the city’s private rental sector.

Here at Aston Vaughan, we only take on well-maintained properties from landlords who we know and trust to comply with the relevant property laws, so are confident that each and every one of you will be granted the licence.

Evidence shows, however, that these schemes have been hugely successful in the past.

The previous 5-year Additional Licensing Scheme improved conditions for around 1,900 HMOs, benefitting 5,500 tenants. The new scheme is expected to cover approximately 2,200 properties, continuing the efforts to enhance the standards of rented accommodations in Brighton & Hove.

How much will this cost and when do the fees need to be paid?

Beginning 2nd September 2024, you will need to submit a licensing application for each of your eligible properties.

The fees which have been advised by the council are £690, and for any late application made after 30th September, an increased fee of £783 will apply. Discounts will be available of £75 if the property energy performance rating is C or above.

These are mandatory licences, so for any landlords failing to comply, there could potentially be fines of up to £30,000.

What can Aston Vaughan do to help?

We understand that many of our landlords are incredibly busy, so while we cannot change these new licensing laws, we can assist you with the application.

Our cost to apply on your behalf will be £250 + VAT. This fee will include making the application, ensuring all inspections and documents are provided to the Council when requested, and tracking the process to ensure we fulfil your obligations under the new changes. As you can imagine, whilst it is your obligation to comply with new legislation, we also need to ensure that all our properties are licensed correctly.

Does the Selective Licensing Scheme cover other areas in Brighton & Hove?

Moving forward, subject to approval from the Secretary of State, a second phase of licensing will be introduced across 13 more wards in Brighton & Hove, including Brunswick & Adelaide, Central Hove, and Hanover & Elm Grove. We will inform you when these areas will be covered by the scheme as soon as we have the information.

We understand there may be further questions and clarifications needed, so please just pick up the phone or send us an email for any additional support on this matter.

Aston Vaughan Lettings Team