Do accept it when students bring late homework. They should be encouraged to do the exercises even if they are not on time. But be aware of the student who is always handing in late homework. Students are too lazy sometimes, and there are some who like to copy from others all the time. Link homework with classroom activities.
Homework is both a part of and an extension of the class.
Find the appropriate time to join it to an activity, especially when correcting it. It can also be used to connect two classes, to start or end a unit review, or to review a specific subject. Don't use homework as a punishment or reward. Both punishment and reward can work as palliatives. Some teachers assign a lot of homework when the students are not behaving well or give extra marks for those who do the exercises.