LANDLORDS of shared homes in Falmouth are being threatened with a £30,000 fine if they are not properly licensed.

Changes to the law state that any homeowner that rents their property out to five or more people forming at least two separate households (Houses of Multiple Occupancy, or HMOs) must register before October 1.

Anyone who registers before that date will be able to take advantage of an early-bird fee.

Those who sign up after that will not be eligible for the discounted rate and those landlords that are tracked down and are found to be operating without a licence will be liable to pay a higher fee and risk receiving a financial penalty.

Falmouth has a high number of HMOs, largely catering for university students in the area.

A landlord discovered renting out an unlicensed HMO could be fined up to £30,000 under the new law.

Details of the HMO licensing fees can be found on Cornwall Council's website – search for ‘HMO’ on the homepage.

Andrew Mitchell, the council’s portfolio holder for homes said: “Licensing will be used by the council to maintain minimum safety standards and to ensure the health and safety of occupiers is safeguarded.

“The council acknowledges that the majority of landlords in Cornwall are responsible and law-abiding and through the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme the council is committed to helping landlords understand the duties placed on them.

“By working with good and improving landlords we hope to see positive improvements in the quality of accommodation offered to those seeking to rent in Cornwall.”

Landlords who wish to stay up-to-date with changes in the law, receive regular newsletters from the council's Private Sector Housing Team or ask questions relating to HMO licensing are encouraged to join the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme via the council's website.