Dear All
I am writing to update you regarding the new landlord licensing scheme which is being rolled out by Brighton and Hove City Council from Monday, September 2nd.
After attending a council-run webinar last week, I finally had it confirmed that they will limit the scheme to four areas of Brighton and Hove, initially, but hope to receive Secretary of State approval early next year to include a further 13 wards – which is a great deal of the City.
The four confirmed wards forming the “pilot” scheme are:
- Kemptown
- Moulsecoombe & Bevendean
- Queen’s Park
- Whitehawk & Marina
We have already conducted an audit to which of our rental properties sit within these wards. If you are impacted we will contact you directly to discuss the implications and what action is required to comply.
Meanwhile, this newsletter is intended as a pro-active communication to update you regarding the licensing scheme’s details if and when it does roll out across much of the city in the New Year.
I think it is fair to say that with a local Labour Council ,and a now National Labour Government, there is a stronger possibility that the Secretary of State will approve the increased scope.
Below is a link to the Council web pages giving the details and licensing conditions, as currently known: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/housing/private-housing/property-licensing-schemes
As you will see, the council is requesting a great deal of information and documentation.
Please note that each property will require its own licence and costings are listed as follows:
Standard fee – £690
Prompted fee – £783
The prompted fee will apply if the council discovers that landlords should have one but haven’t applied.
Discounted licence fees may also be available. Further information, relating to discounts, will be set out on the council website soon. As yet, we have no idea how they will look.
Moving forward, our aim is to make this process as easy and informed for you, as possible, and we can administrate the applications on your behalf. Obviously, we will have to charge a fee and, rather frustratingly, we are unable to give a firm prices as we can’t access the application forms, as yet, in order to gauge staff-hours and subsequent costs. Please rest assured that Town and Country Property Services will, as always, be reasonable with our charges, making them as fair and competitive as possible, but simply put this new scheme will involve an increased workload for us on your behalf.
We are also confident that all rental properties in our portfolio are already fully compliant, and we don’t predict any issues with enforcement.
We will be in touch again once we have more information but please do not hesitate to drop us a line, or pick up the phone, if we can help further.
With very best wishes
Steve Chipp
steve@tandcpropertygroup.co.uk
