The council has launched a new houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing scheme across the city to benefit tenants.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s new scheme will apply to approximately 2,200 properties in the city and will aid tenants living in these properties.

With over a third of Brighton households privately renting, the council is focusing on improving conditions and management in the housing sector.

The council has reported that although most landlords run properties responsibly, some fall short of their duties and do not meet the standards and qualities required of them.

The additional licensing scheme for smaller houses in multiple occupation will cover HMOs of two or more storeys with three or four occupiers.

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A selective licensing scheme will also be introduced in September for certain private rented homes in the Kemptown, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, Queens Park and Whitehawk and Marina wards.

The creation of the two schemes was agreed at the housing and new homes committee on March 13 to help improve standards of privately rented accommodation.

It comes as the last five-year additional HMO licensing scheme ended in 2023, which covered around 1,900 HMOs.

Approximately 5,500 tenants benefited from the scheme as improvements were made to management, building and safety standards.

Property owners and managing agents are advised to complete an application form for the new licence.