Landlords who rent out their properties to five or more people are being urged to make sure they abide by new rules.

News licensing requirements will be coming in for landlords with houses of multiple occupation (HMO) as of October 1.

From that date it will be an offence for a landlord not to hold a licence, or not to have applied for a licence, if their property is occupied by five or more persons.

Licences last for five years and the licence application fee is currently £696 for five bedrooms.

Costs increase for each extra bedroom.

Maldon District Council has warned landlords if they do not have a licence they may take enforcement action.

Bob Boyce, chairman of the council’s community services committee, said: “Landlords who let out a property to a single family or couple are unaffected by the changes.

“However, it is important that landlords who let any property to five or more persons, who are not related to one another as a family, are aware of the changes in legislation.

“This change is being implemented across the country.

“Live-in landlords who rent to lodgers should also be aware that the legislation can apply to them.

“We actively encourage landlords to contact Maldon District Council as soon as possible to discuss their particular circumstances and whether or not they will need a licence.”

Landlords can contact the council on 01621 854477 or by email at contact@maldon.gov.uk.

To apply for a licence visit www.maldon.gov.uk/hmo_licence.