A NEW information service has been launched on how to provide safe accommodation for tenants – as part of a crackdown on rogue landlords.

The city council has unveiled a licensing scheme for houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in four areas of the city in its drive to help protect tenants.

Landlords in Bargate, Bevois, Portswood and Swaythling now have to apply for a licence to set up HMOs, which are often occupied by students.

The scheme is eventually expected to be rolled out across the whole city.

As part of the crackdown, rogue landlord Askar Miah was ordered to pay out almost £40,000 earlier this year for putting tenants at risk at a flat in High Street.

Council inspectors found mouse droppings on the flat’s cooker, while there was no working fire alarm and escape routes were blocked.

The council is offering discounts for applications received before September 30, and is also holding a number of drop-in sessions to help landlords follow the new rules.

The first will be held at the Burgess Road library today from 11am to 5pm.

That will be followed by sessions at the Portswood library in Portswood Road on Wednesday from 11am to 5pm and the Central Library at the Civic Centre on August 13 during the same hours.

At the sessions, experts will be on hand to help fill in application forms and talk through things landlords will need to apply, such as gas and electrical safety certificates.

Another event will be held at the Civic Centre from 4pm- 7pm on September 4, which will focus on supporting landlords trying to deal with antisocial behaviour.

City housing chief Warwick Payne said: “We want to work with responsible landlords by helping them comply with the rules, as they provide a valuable service for the whole city.

“At the same time we will tackle those who fail to get a HMO licence, provide substandard accommodation and manage their premises poorly.”