MORE properties in Southampton will be allowed to be let to more than one household after civic chiefs allowed more homes of multiple occupancy.

The licensing scheme has been extended to the Bassett, Freemantle, Millbrook and Shirley areas, starting October 20, following a recent consultation.

The self-funding HMO Licensing Scheme aims to deliver safer properties, better conditions for tenants, reduce the impact of HMOs on established communities and deter bad landlords from operating in our city.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said: “During the consultation Southampton City Council we received over 500 responses from a wide range of people including landlords, tenants, business owners, and residents.

“The responses were extremely helpful and provided people’s views on the shape of the new designation.”

The new rules will come into force on October 20.