Can they do that? Brighton & Hove
All questions

About this guide

This is a free, independent guide for people renting privately in Brighton & Hove. It brings the common answers, scattered across legislation, guidance and advice sites, into one place in plain language.

How we check

  • Every fact has a numbered reference. Each reference quotes its source word for word and links to it, so you can check it yourself.
  • Each page shows the date it was last checked.
  • We use the best source we can find, in this order: the law itself (Acts and regulations on legislation.gov.uk); official guidance on GOV.UK; the deposit schemes, the ombudsmen and Brighton & Hove City Council; then charities such as Shelter and Citizens Advice. Where a tribunal has decided a point, we cite the decision. We don’t use forums or blogs.
  • We say exactly what the sources say, and no more. If the law isn’t settled, or a rule is only a draft, we say so.

Rental law in England changed a lot on 1 May 2026, when the Renters’ Rights Act changed how private renting works.1 More is still to come, such as a national register of landlords from December 20262 and an ombudsman for private landlords, expected in 2028.3 We re-check pages when the rules change.

What this guide isn’t

It isn’t legal advice, and it’s not connected to any letting agent, landlord, council or political party. If your situation is serious (you’re facing eviction, a large deduction, or an unsafe home), talk to one of the free local advice services.

This guide covers private renting in England. The rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for council and housing association tenants.4

Found a mistake?

Email corrections@cantheydothat.uk. Say which page and which sentence is wrong, and link to a source if you have one. We’ll check it and correct the page. We only use your email to deal with the correction; see privacy.

References

  1. Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants. GOV.UK. The Renters’ Rights Act changes how landlords let out private properties on or from 1 May 2026. ↩

  2. Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters. GOV.UK, 9 September 2026. It will launch on 15 December 2026, starting in the West Midlands and onto other areas over 12 months. ↩

  3. Voluntary membership. Housing Ombudsman. The government is introducing a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman Service, which will be mandatory for nearly all private landlords to join. This is expected to go live in 2028. ↩

  4. Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants. GOV.UK. Applies to England The changes apply to privately rented properties. Different rules apply if you: rent from a housing association or local council ↩