HOTELIERS and private landlords are being warned about important changes in the way houses in multiple occupancy are licensed.

New legislation is expected to have a big impact on hotels across South Lakeland where accommodation is provided for staff. The changes will also affect landlords who have student lets, says South Lakeland District Council.

At present only around 60 properties are licensed as under multiple occupancy across the South Lakes and it is estimated that figure could treble.

From October 2018 any property regardless of size, with five or more people in two or more households, will need a licence.

As the local licensing authority, SLDC is now urging property owners who are affected by the changes to make an application or risk prosecution.

"The new legislation, which is designed to drive up standards in the private rented sector, will mean more local landlords will now need to apply for a licence," said a spokesman.

"The government is removing the previous three-storey requirement, meaning any property regardless of size which is shared by five or more adults from more than one household must be licensed.

"For example, if you are an hotelier providing accommodation for your staff, the landlord of student lets or you rent a property which is shared by more than one family, then the property will now need a licence."

Landlords who have not submitted their application to the housing standards department at SLDC before the October 1 deadline may be committing an offence.

A licence costs £368 for up to five bedrooms and £25 for each extra bedroom, to a maximum of £600. Licences usually last for five years. For more, visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk or call 01539-733333.

Meanwhile, SLDC is hosting an event at The Mintworks, Highgate, Kendal on September 27 to help landlords and agents understand more about their legal and safety responsibilities, energy efficiency standards and take advantage of a range of offers. The gathering is from 6.30pm until 8pm. To reserve your place call 01539 -93216 or email housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk