You own a beautiful holiday home in Brighton, a flint cottage near the South Downs, or a seaside apartment in Hove. You’re ready to welcome guests. But somewhere between the idea and the first booking lies a word that makes most owners groan: regulations.
EPC minimums. Fire safety certifications. Planning permission quirks. Short-term let rules from Brighton & Hove City Council.
It feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: getting compliance right isn’t a burden. It’s a competitive advantage. And at My Getaways, we help owners navigate every single requirement so you can let with confidence – not confusion.
Consider this your friendly, plain-English guide to the rules that matter in Sussex.
Important T’s and C’s: Regulations change regularly, and so the below guide does not in any way represent current or even full advice, for which you must speak with our specialist holiday rental management team who can give you the latest updates on holiday let regulations in Brighton & Sussex.
By reading on you accept the below advice is orientative only.
1. EPC Minimum: You Need at Least a C (Very Soon)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been a quiet backdrop for years. Not anymore.
Current rule: Holiday lets in England must have an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let.
Coming soon (by 2030, with phased targets): All short-term lets will need at least a C rating. Some local authorities are pushing for C even earlier.
Brighton & Hove City Council has signalled strong alignment with net-zero goals. If your property has single-glazed sash windows or an ancient boiler, start planning upgrades now – loft insulation, LED lighting, secondary glazing.
My Getaways tip: We can recommend local Sussex contractors who specialise in cost-effective EPC improvements. A C rating also attracts higher-paying, eco-conscious guests.
2. Safety Certifications: Non-Negotiable (and Simple)
You cannot legally let a holiday home without these three certificates:
| Certification | Requirement | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate | Annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer | Every 12 months |
| Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) | Full inspection of fixed wiring | Every 5 years (or at change of tenancy) |
| Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) | Testing of all plug-in appliances (kettles, toasters, lamps) | Annually recommended |
Additionally, you must have:
- Smoke alarms on every floor (tested before every guest stay)
- Carbon monoxide detector in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (log burner, gas fire, boiler)
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen (BS EN3 standard)
My Getaways tip: We keep a compliance log for every property we manage. When a certificate expires, we will try to tell you before the council does.
3. Local Council Rules: Brighton vs. The Rest of Sussex
This is where many owners trip up. Rules differ dramatically between unitary authorities and district councils.
Brighton & Hove City Council (urban, high-density)
- No specific “holiday let licence” yet, but planning permission may be required if your property is let for more than 90 nights per year and is not your main home.
- Selective licensing applies in some wards (e.g., Hanover & Elm Grove). If your property falls in a licensing zone, you need a £500–£800 landlord licence even for short-term lets.
- Waste disposal rules: Holiday lets must use commercial waste contracts if generating trade waste. Domestic bins are not sufficient. Fines apply.
West Sussex (Arun, Chichester, Worthing, Adur, Horsham, Mid Sussex)
- Generally more permissive, but change of use rules apply. If you let a property for more than 90 nights a year and it is not your primary residence, some councils require formal planning permission for “sui generis” (unique) short-term let use.
- Chichester District (Goodwood area) has begun monitoring high-volume holiday lets near the National Park. Enforcement is increasing.
My Getaways tip: We track planning and licensing changes weekly. When a new rule lands, we notify every affected owner with a clear action plan – we cut through the jargon, just steps.
4. Fire Safety for Furnished Holiday Lets
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to holiday lets that are not single-family dwellings. In practice:
- You need a fire risk assessment (can be done by a competent person – you or a professional)
- Furniture and furnishings must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (look for the permanent label)
- Escape routes must be unobstructed. No padlocked gates or blocked hallway exits.
- Fire doors are not mandatory for most small lets, but smoke alarms and clear exit signage are strongly advised.
My Getaways tip: We provide a simple fire safety checklist to every owner. A £15 smoke alarm upgrade is cheaper than a £5,000 fine.
5. Taxation: The Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) Rules Are Changing
This is not a council regulation, but it matters hugely for your income.
Until April 2025, Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) status gave you tax advantages (capital allowances, lower business rates, pension relief). The new government has abolished the FHL regime.
From April 2025, holiday lets are treated as standard property businesses. Key changes:
- No more full mortgage interest relief (back to basic rate only)
- No more capital allowances on furnishings
- Business rates relief may reduce
What you should do now: Speak to an accountant who specialises in holiday lets. Restructure ownership if needed. And remember – quality properties with strong compliance still perform well.
My Getaways tip: We work with local Brighton accountants who understand the new rules. Ask us for an introduction.
The My Getaways Promise: We Make Compliance Boring (You don’t want it to become exciting!)
You didn’t buy a holiday home to become an expert in EPC bands and selective licensing zones. You bought it for the sea views, the South Downs walks, and the joy of happy guests.
That’s where we come in.
When you list with My Getaways, we:
- ✅ Audit your property against all current regulations before your first booking
- ✅ Alert you to council rule changes affecting your specific postcode
- ✅ Recommend tradespeople for safety checks and EPC upgrades
- ✅ Help to keep copies of all compliance documents (inspector-ready)
Avoid guesswork – avoid fines. Avoid nasty surprises.
Ready to Let with Confidence?
Whether you have one seaside flat or a portfolio of Sussex barn conversions, My Getaways takes the headache out of holiday let regulations. We protect your income by protecting your compliance.
Contact our holiday let management team today for the latest free compliance health check on your property.
My Getaways – Brighton & Sussex’s trusted holiday home agency. Because rules are easier when you don’t face them alone.