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The Manager of a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has been fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs totalling £1,549.78 plus a £15 victim surcharge following a successful prosecution by Bristol City Council.
Digs (Bristol) Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004 for not licensing a property at 105 Whiteladies Road, Clifton Bristol.
Digs is one of the largest property letting agents operating in the city and specializes in student a accommodation. The firm currently manages over 100 properties across the City.
The implications of this prosecution are that the company and its directors are no longer considered to be “fit a proper persons” under the Housing Act 2004 and as such will no longer be able to be licence holders.
The tenants of 105 Whiteladies Road could now be able to recover all rent paid up to twelve months before the date of the conviction.
If they choose to do this they will have to make an application to the Residential Property Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order.
Councillor Anthony Negus, Executive Member for Housing, Property Services and Regeneration, said: “This prosecution sends out a very clear message that HMO landlords who fail to abide by the law can expect to face action.
“There is no place in Bristol for rogue landlords. Everyone that lets out a large House of Multiple Occupation is required to have a licence and to abide by its conditions in order to ensure that their property is safe and fit for purpose.
“Bristol City Council has a good track record of working with landlords and providing them with help and support. However, those who choose to operate outside the law should understand that they are liable to prosecution by the authority.”
If you are a private tenant and are concerned at the condition of your home please contact Bristol City Council’s Private Housing Team on 0117 353 3871 or email private.housing@bristol.gov.uk.
