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Letting in Brighton and Hove: the rules and the numbers

Yours, or one you're thinking of buying. England and Wales for now.

What applies to rented homes in Brighton and Hove, in one place: the licensing schemes and where they run, planning limits on house shares, what housing allowance pays, typical rents, and how local homes rate on energy. Every figure shows its source and date. For one property, enter its address above.

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Licences

  • Selective licensing - every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 1 September 2029.
  • Selective licensing - from 20 October 2026, every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 19 October 2031.
  • Additional licensing - house shares here need a licence from the council, until 30 June 2029.
  • House shares and planning - turning a home in parts of the council's area into a house share for 3 to 6 people from more than one household needs planning permission first. The council calls this an Article 4 direction.
Check where selective licensing appliesCheck where selective licensing appliesRead the additional licensing schemeCheck where the Article 4 direction applies

Anywhere in England, a house share of 5 or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council - an HMO licence.

Source: Brighton & Hove City Council, checked 26 September 2026

Housing allowance

Housing allowance is the most that benefits pay towards a tenant's rent each month.

  • In the Brighton and Hove area: £586.61 for a room in a house share, £920.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £1,200.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £1,450.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £2,000.00 for a 4-bedroom home.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

Rents

The average rent here is £1,808 a month, down 1.2% on a year before.

  • 1 bedroom: £1,189 a month
  • 2 bedrooms: £1,518 a month
  • 3 bedrooms: £1,797 a month
  • 4 or more bedrooms: £2,478 a month

Source: Office for National Statistics private rents, August 2026 (provisional - it may still be revised)

Energy ratings

49% of local homes with an energy certificate are rated C or better.

Source: Office for National Statistics, energy certificates up to March 2025