Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is urging all landlords of houses in multiple occupation to apply for a licence before new legislation comes into force.
Landlords of houses in multiple occupation let to five or more occupants formed of more than one household must apply for a licence by Monday 1 October or face criminal charges.
Currently, compulsory licensing only covers houses of multiple occupation properties of three storeys or more.
The new regulations will cover all properties let to five or more occupants formed of more than one household with shared communal areas.
Cllr Barry Nash, chairman of the community and wellbeing committee said: “HMOs make a valuable contribution to local housing, as they offer a more economically accessible form of housing for many people on low or moderate incomes.
“There are strict standards regarding licensed HMOs that landlords must follow, which are enforced by our environmental health team.
“I urge landlords of HMOs to get in touch with the council as soon as possible, so licences can be granted well before the new law comes into effect”.
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