A council investigation into an HMO has ended with a court case and the landlord paying just £1,145 in fines and costs.
Erewash council launched its prosecution of landlord Mahmood Rahemtulla after he ignored a request to supply documentation about tenancy agreements and rent deposits at the five-bed house in Long Eaton.
The council also wanted to know about other properties he has an interest in. A housing standards officer gave him a deadline to supply all the information – which he failed to meet.
Derby Magistrates’ Court heard he was obliged to supply the details under the Housing Act 2004 as part of an ongoing investigation into the HMO.
Rahemtulla pleaded guilty to breaking the law. He was fined £433 and ordered to pay the authority’s £535.80 legal costs, plus a victim surcharge of £177.
A council spokesperson says: “Unfortunately, there are some HMO landlords who ignore their legal obligations and duties, choose not to co-operate with the council, and expose tenants to unnecessary risks. The council will end this.
“It is frustrating that the convoluted process of seeking an Article 4 direction is so long and drawn out – but by early next year it will mean every new HMO in the borough will need planning consent.
“In the meantime our teams are coming down hard on those that think they can operate under the radar – and the successful prosecution of Rahemtulla stands as a warning to them.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today