Landlords of rental properties that are let to five or more people of more than one household will need to have applied for a licence from the local authority before October 1.

The change in law recognises that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have higher associated risks and need to have fire safety procedures and precautions in place.

Councillor Sue Coakley, Cotswold District Council's cabinet member responsible for licensing rental properties said: "We are urging landlords and managers to get in touch with us so we can help them comply with the law and protect their tenants.

"Failure to license a HMO property could result in a fine of up to £20,000."