A Harlow landlord who converted a house into four separate households without having a HMO licence has been fined £10,000.
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Monir Hossain rented a three storey property in Pittmans Field, Harlow to six people forming four households but he failed to get a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence from Harlow Council. On Tuesday (22 January 2013) at Chelmsford Magistrates Court Mr. Hossain, who did not attend court and pleaded guilty by post, was fined £10,000 with the Council awarded £800 in costs.
By law all three storey HMOs that contain five or more people forming two or more households must obtain a licence from Harlow Council. Homes that are licenced are inspected on a regular basis by the Council to make sure they comply with set standards for fire precautions and facilities for the number of people living in the property.
The successful prosecution by Harlow Council came about after an Environmental Health Officer visited the property in June 2012. Mr. Hossain was given the opportunity to licence the premises but failed to do so.
Councillor Phil Waite, Harlow Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, said:
“This was an offence with the potential for serious consequences that could have resulted in injury or death. The licensing of HMOs is there to protect residents in the town. The Council works closely with landlords and provides advice on what they need to do but the Council will prosecute those landlords who don’t have licensed properties and/or where the properties are dangerous.”
