LANDLORDS in East Hampshire should be aware that they will be subject to new licensing rules for ‘houses in multiple occupation’ when they come into effect on October 1.

Currently, a house with multiple occupants must be licensed if it has three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more tenants.

The Government is extending the scope to include houses that are occupied by five or more people, regardless of the number of storeys. This includes any house which is a building or a converted flat where householders share basic amenities such as a toilet, personal washing facilities, or cooking facilities.

Purpose-built flats in small blocks and properties above commercial buildings (such as shops or restaurants) must also be licensed.

Failure to licence a house with multiple occupants is an offence that carries an unlimited fine.

For help, or more details on the application process, licence fees, or any other query relating to houses with multiple occupants, call East Hampshire District Council’s environmental health team on 01730 234304 or e-mail [email protected].