Landlords in Hertsmere are being reminded they may need to apply for a licence under new regulations which should provide tenants with more protection and prevent overcrowding.

Under the new government measures, set to come into force in October, private sector  landlords who own properties or flats occupied by five or more people in more than one household will have to apply for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence from the borough council.

Failure to do so could result in the landlord facing criminal prosecution and a fine of thousands of pounds.

Previously, only landlords with properties of three or more storeys needed a licence, but the new legislation could mean an extra 300 properties in the borough require a licence.

To find out more about the changes and how to apply for an HMO licence see our website www.hertsmere.gov.uk/HMO or contact our private sector housing officer on 020 8207 2277.

 Regular Landlords' Forums for participants with properties across Hertsmere, are held throughout the year, organised by the council in partnership with some of the landlords associations. The next forum will be held on the evening of 26 June. Further details are available on request by emailing private.sector@hertsmere.gov.uk.