A CHANGE in the rules has prompted Rugby Borough Council (RBC) to reminded landlords of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) that they are legally required to register their properties.
Around 20 properties that the council suspects may be operating as HMOs have not been registered.
One property has been inspected under warrant with future enforcement action possible.
RBC environment and public realm spokeswoman Coun Lisa Parker said: “Most landlords take their responsibilities seriously and will want to register their properties, and I would ask those landlords to get in touch with the private sector housing team at the council as soon as possible so that their HMOs can be licensed.
“Regrettably, there are other landlords who will seek to exploit their tenants with poor quality or dangerous housing. These landlords can expect us to take enforcement action against them, including prosecution where necessary.
“With fines of up to £20,000 for not registering, it really doesn’t pay for landlords to shirk their responsibilities.”
Coun Tim Douglas, a Liberal Democrat who represents Paddox Ward, said: “New rules for HMOs came into force on October 1 and it is worrying that the Council does not know how many HMOs are in the Borough.
“HMOs are an important part of the overall housing mix serving people looking for affordable housing options, but it is vital that this type of housing is of good quality and safe to live in.
“As more and more people are renting, the Council must do more to focus its attention on this part of the housing market.”
Households made up of five or more people from two or more families that share certain facilities are now normally classed as a house of multiple occupation, regardless of the number of bedrooms or storeys.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/hmo to find out more about the licence and register an HMO.
