A woman who let out spare bedrooms in her own home has been hit with a bill of over £3,000 because she did not license the property as an HMO.

Natalie Reilly, 36, of Lichfield, Staffs, pleaded guilty at Stafford Magistrates’ Court in a prosecution brought by Lichfield District Council.

She had let out rooms to four tenants in the house, where council officers identified fire safety and heating issues.

The court ordered her to pay a total of £3,358, made up of a fine of £1,625, court costs of £1,613 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Compulsory licensing applies to properties of three or more storeys occupied by five or more unrelated people who share some facilities.

Many home owners with spare bedrooms would be unaware of the possibility that their house could become a licensable HMO. Tax breaks encourage the letting out of rooms in private homes.

Lichfield Council’s cabinet member for community, housing and health, Cllr Colin Greatorex, said: “We’re pleased the court took this case seriously, as it illustrates just how important it is for landlords to be properly licensed.

“Licensing ensures that management standards and housing conditions in the private rented sector are maintained.”