FIRE chiefs have backed a warning to private landlords to ensure multi-occupancy households are licensed – or face a fine of £20,000.

Mike Blackburn, North East Evening Gazette, 11 December 2007

Stockton Council believes there are still private landlords in the borough who are unaware of Government guidelines for housing safety, introduced in April 2006.

The Mandatory Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation rules ensure properties have adequate fire safety and amenity standards.

Under the new laws, rental properties of three or more storeys, housing five or more people, made up of more than one household and with shared amenities are required to be licensed.

Stockton Council has issued 41 licences to date, but is urging any landlords who still do not know their property should be licensed to come forward – full article