A judge has massively increased the fines given to two HMO landlords who have failed in a legal challenge against their sentence.

The original prosecution saw the landlords fined £275,000 and £35,000 respectively at Northampton Magistrates Court in December 2022 for breaches under the Housing Act 2004.

Both appealed their sentences at Northampton Crown Court where their fines were raised from the original £275,000 penalty to £329,524 and the £35,000 penalty to £73,524. Costs were also awarded to West Northamptonshire Council by recorder Adrian Jack who described the case as an “extremely serious instance of illegal enterprise”.

Illegal

He dismissed the case and condemned the dangerous fire safety violations involved, adding they were both “illegal and dangerous, posing a risk to the lives of tenants and neighbours”.

The authority’s private sector housing team reported that the unlicensed properties posed serious safety risks, putting tenants’ health and wellbeing in direct danger.

Councillor Rosie Herring (pictured), cabinet member for housing, says the outcome demonstrates that it will take firm action against those who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk. It continues to work to ensure the quality of all housing across West Northamptonshire meets the required standard.

“I’m incredibly proud of the private sector housing team’s dedication and their successful efforts in tackling such serious breaches,” adds Herring.

“Our priority is to create safe, secure homes for all residents in our area, and we will continue to use every resource available to achieve that.”

Pic credit: Google Streetview