Selective Licensing – Discussion with the council

When Will It Come into Place?

Applications open on Monday 2nd September; penalties will incur if applications are sent after Tuesday 1st October. The license will last for 5 years, with the final day stated as Saturday 1st September 2029.

Which Wards Are Affected?

The wards affected in phase 1: Kemptown, Whitehawk & Marina, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, and Queen’s Park. 6 months after phase 1, the council will start rolling out phase 2. It will take roughly 12 weeks (minimum) to roll out.

The wards affected in phase 2: Brunswick & Adelaide, Central Hove, Goldsmid, Hanover & Elm Grove, Hollingdean & Fiveways, Preston Park, Regency, Rottingdean & West Saltdean, Roundhill, South Portslade, West Hill & North Laine, Westbourne & Poets Corner, Wish

What Are the Criteria?

The scheme applies to houses in the PRS occupied by single or multiple tenancies; Flats (1 storey) – floor having 1, 2, 3, or 4 tenants (can be unrelated or families). Flats (2 or more storeys) – having 1 or 2 unrelated tenants or families. Houses (1 storey) & Bungalows – having 1, 2, 3, or 4, unrelated tenants or families. Houses (2 or more storeys) & Bungalows – with 1 or 2 unrelated tenants or a family. Summary: If the property is within the 4 wards and doesn’t meet the requirements of Mandatory of Additional licensing; it will require a selective licence.

How Do I Apply?

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/housing/private-housing/property-licensing-schemes?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=facebook

What Do I Need?

You will need to upload the following documents with your application; Safety certificates: GSC, EICR, PAT, Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Certificates EPC Plan of property Copy of tenancy agreement that is in place Property inspection records (showing dates of inspections If you do not hold some of these documents at the time of the application then send them to psh@brighton-hove.gov.uk when they are available.

Do I Need Planning?

If you buy a new property for rentals and require a change of use from C3 to C4, (for 3/4 people over 2 storeys), is likely the only time you need planning, however, will need a license regardless. If your property has been a functioning HMO for 10+ years, you’ll be unlikely to require planning permission.

Who Should I Speak To?

Coapt are happy to take your application off your hands and process it for you! We charge a flat fee of £350 (incl. VAT) for current and new clients. We are more than happy to help answer your queries. However, if you need direct correspondence with the council, please email psh@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

How Much Does It Cost?

If you apply within the allotted time: Standard fee – £690. If you apply after 1st October: Prompted fee – £783. Discounts of £75 are available if you are: a member of ihowz, safeagent, or NRLA. If your property has an EPC rating of C or above*. If the landlord is a registered charity. Multiple-dwelling discounts are also available if you own multiple properties within a block.