Do I need an HMO licence in Brighton & Hove?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Brighton & Hove runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Brighton & Hove?

Brighton & Hove currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Expansion — Central Hove & Regency Wards (from 20 October 2026) (from 20 October 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Brighton & Hove?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Brighton & Hove's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Brighton & Hove?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Brighton & Hove can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Brighton & Hove?

HMO licence applications in Brighton & Hove are handled by Brighton & Hove City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Brighton & Hove HMO licensing guide

Brighton & Hove HMO licence — do you need one?

Brighton & Hove has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Brighton & Hove announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 20 October 2026

Selective Licensing Expansion — Central Hove & Regency Wards (from 20 October 2026)

A further selective licensing designation covering the Central Hove and Regency wards was made on 6 July 2026 and comes into force on 20 October 2026, expanding the existing scheme to address poor property conditions in those areas. All private landlords in the newly designated wards will be required to hold a licence.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Brighton & Hove-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Brighton & Hove — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Brighton & Hove?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Brighton & Hove runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Brighton & Hove?: Brighton & Hove currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Expansion — Central Hove & Regency Wards (from 20 October 2026) (from 20 October 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Brighton & Hove?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Brighton & Hove's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Brighton & Hove?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Brighton & Hove can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Brighton & Hove?: HMO licence applications in Brighton & Hove are handled by Brighton & Hove City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Brighton & Hove with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Brighton & Hove schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Brighton & Hove City Council before letting or applying for a licence.