Landlords are worried about a new scheme for registering flatlet houses which has been introduced by Brighton and Hove City Council.

They claim it will lead to many owners deciding to sell on a rising market rather than face the red tape needed to be overcome to keep houses running for rent in the bedsitter belt.

A few landlords may be tempted to sell but the housing boom will not last for ever whereas the registration scheme is here for keeps.

Are landlords really saying they do not want to see the higher standards of safety the scheme will enforce?

There are many good landlords who have nothing to fear from its introduction. But for a substantial minority who keep properties in poor condition, it will take time and trouble to bring them up to standard.

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest proportions of privately-rented housing in the UK. It is needed to cope with the above-average numbers of students and single people in the city.

Thousands of properties in the city are not fit for human habitation.

The registration scheme should ensure most of them reach a minimum standard and for that reason it is to be welcomed.