LANDLORDS are being warned they could face fines of up to £20,000 if they fail to sign up to a new licensing scheme governing certain properties.

Wyre Forest District Council's housing department is preparing application forms to send out to property owners known to be affected by new legal requirements set out by Government.

From this month, landlords who rent out properties which are three or more stories high, have five or more occupants and house two or more households, will have to comply with a new licensing scheme.

Owners will need to pass a "fit and proper person" check, pay a licence fee and provide details about the property, including fire precautions and safety checks.

Failure to get a licence could result in a fine of up to £20,000.

The district council's housing and enforcement officer, Kelly Taylor, said: "We have been contacted by a number of concerned landlords asking if they need a licence.

"We have identified around 20 properties in the Wyre Forest area and sent an initial advice letter.

"However, we would urge landlords to contact us if they think their properties are licensable houses in multiple occupation - HMOs."

She added: "The majority of rented property does not require licensing but reasonable standards must still be maintained under other Housing Act 2004 requirements."