NEW rules affecting properties with multiple occupants in one household are set to come into force this week.

From today the Additional Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licensing Scheme will be extended to Bassett, Freemantle, Millbrook and Shirley.

This means any property in these areas which is occupied by three or more people (including children) who form two or more households will require a HMO licence.

This will include shared houses, bedsits and flats where there is some sharing of the kitchen or bathroom.

The scheme, which was extended after a recent consultation, wants to create safer properties, better conditions for tenants, reduce the impact of HMOs on established communities and deter bad landlords from operating in the city.

Councillor Warwick Payne, Southampton City Council cabinet member for Housing and Sustainability, said: “Following the consultation the decision has been made to extend the scheme.

“We will now be able to continue the good work already underway in the existing areas by improving the safety, standards and management of thousands of properties to ensure these properties are safe and well managed, protecting tenants and the wider community.

“We’re grateful that both residents and landlords participated in the consultation and helped to develop the scheme, including the creation of a fair and sound fee structure.

“Payments will be lower for landlords who operate good practice, and higher for those who do not.

“In the meantime I would urge landlords with HMOs in these areas to apply for a HMO licence”

More details on the scheme can be found on at southampton.gov.uk.