Yet another council is expanding its landlord licensing regime.

Brighton & Hove council launched selective licensing across four wards in 2024. 

Now it is expanding this to cover two more from this autumn following what the council calls “a successful interim review”.

However overall there are going to be 13 wards affected after the completion of a phased rollout.

The authority comments: “We have contacted landlords and agents to outline the scheme, and support is available to guide people through the process. 

“It is estimated that up to 7,274 properties will require a licence.”

A spokesperson adds: “The aim of our selective licensing scheme is to improve the conditions and management of our expanding private rental sector.

“With nearly a third of households in Brighton & Hove privately rented, we know this has the potential to have a huge impact on people, the quality of their housing and the security they feel. 

“But it is also about providing support and guidance to local landlords, the overwhelmingly majority of whom want to provide secure and high-quality housing to their tenants.

“It really is a win-win. It has been great to see the impact it has already had and I look forward to seeing that positive impact being felt across the city as it is rolled out further.

“Coming in tandem with the introduction of enhanced renters’ rights earlier this year, it is fantastic to see genuine steps being made to provide more protection for tenants – and more support for responsible landlords.”