Brighton and Hove Begins Scheme to Improve HMO Rental Standards
Brighton and Hove will start a city-wide license program to boost HMO rental rules. The scheme runs from Monday, July 1, 2024. Its main goal is to fix reports of low property condition and weak management.
New Licensing Requirements for Landlords
The new rules ask all HMOs that span two or more floors and host three or four residents to get a license. Landlords and managing agents may apply on the day the plan starts. A council spokesperson said the aim is to push for better property condition and better management in the city’s growing private rental market.
A second plan will begin in September. Private rental homes in areas like Kemptown, Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Queens Park, Whitehawk, and the Marina ward must meet new rules too.
Community Feedback and Consultation
The council made its choice after talks held from October to January. Many residents agreed that change was needed. Landlords and agents were less eager to change. The council noted that many landlords run their properties well, yet problems with management and rental quality occur too often.
The Current Rental Market Landscape
The Office for National Statistics shows that rental prices in Brighton and Hove rank among the highest in England. The city ranks 20th among local authorities and is third highest outside London. Data shows that average rents in the city rose by about 21.4% from December 2019 to May 2024. This rise is just below the national average of 22.3%. These high rents reveal a need for tighter rules on property oversight, especially in HMOs that house many students and young workers.
Potential Impact on Investors in HMOs
Investors in HMOs must work hard to keep their properties up to the new rules. Landlords must meet these standards to avoid fines from the council. A sound balance between meeting rules and keeping housing affordable is needed. Landlords will need to plan well as the scene changes.
Brighton and Hove expect more effort from landlords to keep rental properties safe and in good shape. Tenants may see more security as a result. Investors should stay informed about these updates and adjust their plans when the rules change.
Conclusion
To sum up, the new plan from Brighton and Hove City Council marks a strong shift toward better rental property rules, especially for smaller HMOs. As rents continue to rise, these changes bring both challenges and chances for property owners. Good management will help in following the new rules and keeping tenants safe.
For further information, you can visit the Brighton & Hove City Council’s official page and stay up to date with new rental rules.
