Loughborough Landlord Prosecuted
Posted on June 18, 2008, 12:12 pm
A LANDLORD who allowed 11 people from more than two households to live in a three-storey terrace property without holding a House in Multiple Occupation Licence has been fined £10,000.
Mohammed Tayaib Ali Chowdhury is the first person to have been successfully prosecuted by Charnwood Borough Council under legislation that was introduced in April 2006 to tackle poor standards in this type of property.
He was also ordered to pay £1,015 in costs when he appeared before Loughborough Magistrates Court on Monday, June 16.
The court heard that the property, a three-story Victorian terrace in Toothill Road, Loughborough, was occupied by nine adults and two children and Chowdhury should have applied for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence.
Magistrates were told that the Housing Act 2004 states that a property with three or more storeys, occupied by five people or more, forming two or more households requires a HMO Licence.
Cllr David Slater, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Housing and Health, said: “This case sends out a clear message to landlords that they must make sure they comply with the law.
“We will take robust enforcement action against all landlords who ignore licensing as HMO properties pose the most significant health and safety risks to tenants.
Since the legislation was introduced, Charnwood Borough Council has received more than 250 applications for a HMO Licence.
The Council will continue to take action against landlords who fail to apply for a licence and are encouraging people who believe they may be living in or near an unlicensed HMO to contact the Private Sector Housing Team on (01509) 634 653 for advice and assistance.
Cllr Slater added: “Landlords will be given the opportunity to legalise the use of such properties under the Housing Act. However, the Council will seek prosecutions where illegal use persists.”
To find out more about HMO Licences or to download an application form, log on to http://extranet.charnwood.gov.uk/landlordservices
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