Landlord fined

6:23pm Tuesday 10th June 2008

A LANDLORD who put his tenants at risk by operating a house in multiple occupation without a licence has been successfully prosecuted by Redditch Council.

Nadeem Asghar, 23, of Vicarage Crescent, pleaded guilty to operating a house in multiple occupation at Redditch Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 4. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,071 costs.

Any property that has three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more people comprising more than one household must have a licence from the council to operate as a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Asghar had been repeatedly warned by officers that if he continued to operate the HMO in Mount Pleasant, Southcrest, without a licence, the council would have no choice but to prosecute him.

Councillor Colin MacMillan, the council's portfolio holder for environment, said: "We don't take on prosecutions lightly, but if the health, safety and well-being of occupants are put at risk because landlords refuse to operate with a valid licence, then we actively seek prosecution in line with our enforcement policy.

"It's important that landlords understand the full implications of not obtaining a licence and hopefully this prosecution will send a strong message to any other landlords who have yet to apply."

Those looking to apply for a HMO Licence or who need more information on licensing should call Haroon Chaudhry at the council on 64252.

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