Any person who shall let any dwelling house, knowing that the lessee intends to use it as a house of ill-fame or place of resort for the purpose of prostitution and lewdness, or for the purpose of gambling for money or other property, or who shall knowingly permit such lessee to use the same for such purpose, or who shall receive any rent for any dwelling, house, room, or apartment which is used as a house of ill-fame or place of resort for prostitutes, or for the purpose of prostitution and lewdness, or for the purpose of gambling for money or other property, having reasonable cause to believe such house, room, or apartment is used for any such purpose, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 6 months or a fine of not more than $750.00. However, no person shall be liable for receiving rent as aforesaid for any period prior to the time when he or she has reasonable cause to believe that such house, room, or apartment is used for any such purpose.