LANDLORDS who rent houses to more than five people will be charged more in a crackdown on “dangerous, anti-social” tenancies.

From January 2017, Redbridge landlords who rent out several properties with more than five people in them will face increased fees.

They will have to pay even more if the properties are three or more storeys-high.

The changes are part of a Government review of licensing fees for landlords who rent properties as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Fees for HMOs are currently based on the number of tenants in each property, but from next year will be based on the number of HMOs a landlord has, and how many storeys-high they are.

People who rent out five or more HMOs in the borough will be charged £500, while those with 20 lets or more will face fees of £1,500.

HMOs that are three or four storeys-high will cost an extra £300 and five storeys or more an extra £500.

Redbridge cabinet member for housing Cllr Farah Hussain said: “Poorly managed larger HMOs account for a considerable amount of anti-social behaviour in the borough, causing misery to neighbours, and the properties are often dangerous for tenants.

“The new conditions ensure landlords manage their properties so that they are safe places for people to live and that any problems caused to neighbours can be dealt with.”

Landlords who are part of an accredited scheme or have had fit for person checks in the last three months will be allowed a discount of 10 per cent.