City’s Selective Licensing Plan Criticised by Legal & General

Legal & General, a major player in the private rented sector, has criticised Brighton & Hove city council’s proposal to implement selective licencing in various parts of the city. At the same time, the company has announced plans to renew and expand its smaller HMO Additional scheme.

In a letter addressed to the Brighton & Hove city council, Legal & General, which owns and manages thousands of properties across the UK, including in Brighton, argued that the proposed additional costs would reduce the supply of rental properties. As per the HMO news, they would do this by increasing costs for private landlords. They also expressed concerns about the increased compliance issues that Built to Rent (BTR) operators would face.

The council’s plan, first announced in October 2023, includes a consultation on two schemes that have been ongoing since then. The decision on these schemes is expected to be made on 13th March 2024. The five-year term of the city’s previous city-wide Additional licencing scheme, which covered 1,900 HMOs across Brighton, ended this year. The new and expanded scheme would include an additional 300 properties.

As per the HMO news, the proposed selective licencing scheme would cover four areas: Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, Queens Park, and Whitehawk & Marina. Additionally, there is an option to introduce a further Selective Licencing Scheme that would cover 13 other areas in the city, aimed at addressing poor property conditions.

Councillor Gill Williams, Chair of the Housing & New Homes Committee, highlighted the importance of improving housing standards in the city’s private rented sector. She stated, “Improving homes across the city is a key part of our plans for a better Brighton & Hove. Private rented accommodation is an important part of the city’s housing mix and can provide people with flexible and decent homes. However, we often hear from residents about their poor experiences and know the quality of management and maintenance is inconsistent.” 

“We want to raise standards in privately rented homes in the city to ensure that all tenants in the sector live in safe, healthy, and well-managed homes,” she further added.

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