Landlords of homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) could be impacted by the increase in fees they have to pay to licence their homes.

It comes as civic chiefs at Purbeck District Council approved plans to increase fees for owners of HMOs following a change in the law which will require more homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) needing to register with the council.

The new rules will include minimum sleeping room sizes and a maximum number of occupants with the need for a licence extended to HMOs below three storeys and flats that are in multiple occupation above commercial premises.

As a result, homes, where there are two or more households residing and where there are five or more people living, will have to pay the increased fees.

Powers also give the council the ability to either impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for non-compliance with licensing requirements or to prosecute in the courts.

Under the approved plans, a new five-year licence will rise from £475 to £650, the rise equates to an increase of £35 per year for the duration of the licence while a renewal will cost approximately £550, however, discounts of up to 10 per cent will be available for landlords who sign up to nationally recognised landlords association or other similar organisations.

The current licence fee structure was adopted by the council in 2005 but has not been reviewed since its introduction 13 years ago.

Officers added that a review of the licensing fees was also carried out to establish if the council’s costs are being met by the fees received.

A spokesman added: “These functions are currently carried out within existing staff resources; any increase in fees is designed to recoup the cost of providing the service.

“The council is not permitted to obtain financial gain from

the fees paid through the licensing process meaning that the fee is used to cover the costs associated with administrating the mandatory licensing scheme.”

The plan will be implemented by the council immediately.