Housing: Landlord fined £18,000 for breaches of HMO licence

Norwich Magistrates Court handed down a heavy fine to the man responsible for putting tenants at risk. (Photo Gallery Below)

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Mr Abdul Bashir pleaded guilty to four charges relating to breaches to The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

A total fine of £18,000 – £4,500 per charge – was handed down, plus costs of £2,214.24 for Norwich City Council’s investigation and legal costs; as well as a surcharge of £15.

The breaches were in respect of 19 Prince of Wales Road, a registered House in Multiple Occupation, licensed to accommodate five people above a restaurant.

An inspection was carried out by Norwich City Council, Private Sector Housing Officer, Otis Hernandez, on the 9th February 2011, at which time the offences were found.

These breaches were for failing to:

• ensure the means of escape from fire in the HMO was kept free from obstruction
• maintain in good order and repair all means of escape from a fire
• ensure that fire alarms were in good working order
• ensure that the common parts of the first floor were reasonably clear from obstruction.

The maximum fine for these offences is £5,000 per breach.

Otis Hernandez, part of the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team said:

“Yesterday’s result sends out an important message to people that the council will take action against those whose negligence puts others at risk. That a fine so close to the maximum was handed out, demonstrates the seriousness of these offences.”

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