Do I need to register for VAT on a property I rent out?

No — residential letting income is exempt from VAT, so renting out a house or flat doesn't require VAT registration and you don't charge VAT on the rent.

This changes if you're providing furnished holiday lettings or serviced accommodation with hotel-like services (regular cleaning, linen changes, reception), which HMRC can treat differently, or if you have significant commercial property income where you've opted to charge VAT. For most Brighton and Hove landlords with standard residential lets, VAT simply doesn't come into it — the relevant registration to think about is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax once your gross rental and self-employment income crosses £50,000, which is a completely separate system. If you're mixing residential and commercial lettings, or moving into holiday lets, that's the point to check your VAT position specifically rather than assume the residential exemption still applies.