Over 80 per cent support new licensing for private rented housing

Two proposals for new licensing schemes aimed at improving conditions in private rented housing have received over 80 per cent public support in recent consultations.

The first proposal is an extension to the Additional Licensing Scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) not covered by mandatory licensing. If approved, the scheme would be introduced city-wide, affecting around 500 further HMOs.

The second is the introduction of a new ‘Selective Licensing Scheme’ for private rented homes not covered by HMO Licensing in 12 wards, covering central and coastal wards from East Brighton to Westbourne and the wards bordering Lewes Road. Selective licensing in these 12 wards would likely affect around 27,000 properties.

Mandatory licensing covers HMOs that are three or more storeys and accommodate over five people who form two or more households. Additional and selective licensing are discretionary schemes local authorities can introduce where certain conditions are met.

Evidence from current HMO licensing in Brighton & Hove shows that almost 90 per cent of properties required improvements to ensure they were fit and safe for occupation.

Property inspections resulted in improvements in 2,629 homes, benefitting an estimated 13,000 tenants.

Anne Meadows, chair of the housing and new homes committee, said: “Private rented housing is a vital source of accommodation in the city, and we know that the quality of management and maintenance of properties is inconsistent.

“The proposed new licensing schemes aim to raise standards in more privately rented homes and help us make sure that all tenants in the sector can live in safe, healthy and well-managed homes.

“Our current licensing schemes have already ensured thousands of properties are better managed and safer for residents. The responses to our consultations show that residents agree that there’s still more to be done.”