WEST Devon Borough Council is informing landlords of a new government legislation which will come into force on Monday, October 1, requiring landlords to hold a licence for houses of multiple occupation.

The new law, which is an amendment to the 2006 Housing Act, means that landlords who have a house used for multiple occupation (HMO) occupied by five or more people, who are not from the same family, will require a licence.

A house in multiple occupation can include, but is not limited to, examples such as a house let as individual bed sitting rooms, a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants, hostels, some hotels, guesthouses, lodgings, shared houses, houses converted into self-contained flats, a five bedroom house being rented to five single people sharing facilities or a four bedroom house being rented to a non-married couple and three single people sharing facilities.

There are extra requirements also put in place for existing multiple occupation houses to include minimum sleeping room sizes and provision of waste facilities.

Landlords who have a property which is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation, or those who are in the process of setting up a rental property which falls within this category, are required to apply for a licence before October 1.

Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon Borough Council’s lead hub member for health and well being, said: ‘If you are a landlord and have a house in multiple occupation you will be required by law to have a licence if you have more than five people living in the same house, but who are not from the same family unit.

‘At West Devon Borough Council we want to make sure landlords are aware of these new changes and encourage those who may be affected to apply for their licence or to visit our website to find out more.’

The council’s Environmental Housing team is committed to working with property owners to ensure licensing requirements are followed. If properties are found after the date which need a licence, a fixed penalty notice may be imposed which could be up to £30,000.

If you are uncertain if your property requires a licence or you would like to apply, visit the council’s website at www.westdevon.gov.uk/HMO2018