Tenants, landlords and residents are among those asked for their views on whether stricter controls should be introduced for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Warwick District Council has launched a public consultation asking locals whether they think houses or flats occupied by three or four persons living as two or more households should be brought under its proposed additional licencing scheme.

The scheme could see around 700 more houses and flats brought under the authority's control.

WDC will also be asking whether purpose built student accommodation blocks should be excluded from the scheme.

Cllr Jan Matecki, portfolio holder for housing, said: "An increase in the number of HMOs within the district warrants the need for us to revisit our licencing requirements and gain valuable input and feedback from those living in these properties, landlords and close neighbours.

"A revised scheme would enable us to bring more homes under our licencing umbrella, meaning that they would be regularly inspected to ensure compliance with high standards for safety, space and repair.

"I would therefore encourage all those affected to take the opportunity to have their say."

The consultation will run from 9 January to 20 March 2023.

It will cover areas such as how the scheme might operate, the areas of the district it should cover, and the type of buildings that should be included.

Those wishing to take part in the consultation can complete an online questionnaire on the Warwick District Council website.

In addition, the council's private sector housing team are arranging a series of meetings with key stakeholders, both online and face to face, with dates to be announced shortly.

There will also be drop-in sessions at Riverside House on the following dates:

• Monday 16 January, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
• Tuesday 24 January, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
• Wednesday 1 February, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm

Further dates for February and March will be shared on the Warwick District Council website and social media channels.