Another council pauses landlord licensing after legal challenge

Another council has paused its plans to introduce landlord licensing following a legal challenge.

The selective licensing scheme for Brighton’s Central Hove and Regency wards had been due to begin on 20 October.

Now Brighton & Hove City Council says it needs time to consider the challenge before deciding its next steps.

The move follows the withdrawal of an additional HMO licensing scheme in Telford & Wrekin after objections from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

Selective licensing paused

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Gill Williams, said: “We remain committed to supporting safe, good-quality housing across the city and to working constructively with landlords, agents and tenants.

“We have decided to pause the introduction of the scheme planned for 20 October while we review the next steps.”

She added: “This will give us time to ensure that any future implementation is built on the strongest possible foundations.

“We are grateful to the many landlords and agents who have engaged with us positively during the development of the scheme.”

Landlord licensing challenges

In Telford & Wrekin, the NRLA challenged the council’s consultation and proposed charges for an additional licensing scheme covering houses with three or four occupants.

The council revoked the designation on 11 September, with the withdrawal taking effect on 15 September.

Meanwhile, Great Yarmouth Council removed most blanket licence conditions following a challenge by the Eastern Landlords Association.

Its selective licensing scheme remains in place, although the conditions now largely reflect mandatory requirements under the Housing Act 2004.

Landlord engagement postponed

In Brighton & Hove, planned landlord engagement events relating to the launch will be postponed while the review takes place.

The council had already held information and question-and-answer sessions for landlords and managing agents, with more than 40 attending the first online event.

Earlier communications set out the scheme’s intended role in improving housing conditions and management standards, alongside supporting landlords already providing good-quality accommodation.

The authority says it remains committed to improving standards in private rented homes and working with landlords across the city.