East Sussex · Private rented sector
Landlord templates, Brighton.
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Brighton's 28,000+ private landlords across East Sussex. Every template is updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, with Brighton & Hove City Council as the local housing authority.
Private rented households
~45,000
Average monthly rent (2-bed)
~£1,700
Student population
~35,000
Brighton rental market, what landlords need to know
Brighton and Hove is one of the most desirable rental markets in England outside London, combining a vibrant cultural scene, proximity to London, and a large student population from the University of Brighton and University of Sussex. Rents are high and rising. The council has been active in licensing and enforcement.
Licensing requirements in Brighton
Brighton & Hove City Council operates additional HMO licensing across the city for properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households. The council has one of the more active HMO enforcement programmes in the south-east. Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to properties with 5+ occupants.
Essential documents for Brighton landlords
View all →Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement
The new default English tenancy from 1 May 2026. Periodic from day one, with the prescribed written statement of terms built in. Ships with the Form 4A rent-increase notice template and an Information Sheet delivery acknowledgement form so a buying landlord has every Phase-1 compliance document in one pack.
Section 8 Notice Pack (All Grounds)
Every mandatory and discretionary ground on the new 2026 list, pre-labelled with the notice period, arrears threshold, and evidence block.
Landlord Annual Compliance Checklist
Annual walk-through of every compliance touchpoint: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke/CO, Right-to-Rent, deposit, licensing, database registration.
Renters' Rights Act Transition Pack
For landlords who need to migrate existing ASTs onto the new regime. The single most-searched landlord product of 2026.
What changes for Brighton landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies in full to every Brighton tenancy from 1 May 2026, enforced locally by Brighton & Hove City Council. The headline changes for East Sussex landlords are:
- → Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished, use Section 8
- → All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements, no more ASTs
- → Rent increases via Section 13 only, contractual review clauses unenforceable
- → Pet requests must be considered, blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
- → Private landlord database registration coming, date TBC
Brighton landlord FAQs
Which council handles landlord licensing in Brighton?
Brighton & Hove City Council is the local housing authority for Brighton, East Sussex. Additional HMO licensing operates here for smaller shared houses, alongside mandatory national HMO licensing for properties with 5 or more occupants. Always confirm the current designation with the council before letting, as licensing schemes and area boundaries are reviewed periodically.
Do Brighton landlords need an additional HMO licence?
Yes, for most shared properties. Brighton & Hove City Council's city-wide additional licensing scheme requires a licence for any HMO with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households. The council actively enforces this scheme. Operating without a licence carries a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order from tenants.
Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Brighton rentals?
Yes. Brighton and Hove is in England and all provisions of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 apply from 1 May 2026, Section 21 abolished, Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements required for all new lettings, Section 13 rent increase process, and the Information Sheet obligation for existing tenants (deadline 31 May 2026).