Brighton & Hove City Council has paused its plans to introduce a selective landlord licensing scheme for Central Hove and Regency wards. The scheme, which was set to commence on 20 October, has been put on hold following a legal challenge.
The council stated it requires time to consider the challenge before determining its next steps. Cllr Gill Williams, the cabinet member for housing, confirmed the pause, noting the council's commitment to supporting safe, good-quality housing and working with landlords, agents, and tenants.
This decision follows other instances of councils pausing or altering licensing schemes due to challenges. Telford & Wrekin withdrew an additional HMO licensing scheme after objections from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), and Great Yarmouth Council removed most blanket licence conditions following a challenge by the Eastern Landlords Association.
Planned landlord engagement events in Brighton & Hove related to the scheme's launch will be postponed during the review period. The council had previously held information sessions, with over 40 attendees at the first online event.