A landlord in Colchester has been handed a £5,000 civil penalty notice for failing to license his unsafe HMO.

Following a complaint made one of the tenants, the council’s private sector housing team discovered that a family of four and two unrelated men were living in a four-bedroom flat.

The occupants shared a single kitchen and bathroom at the Marks Tey property (pictured) which failed to meet required fire safety and amenity standards.

The landlord was issued with a civil penalty notice for operating the HMO without a licence and although he initially appealed this at a First Tier Property Tribunal, he later withdrew the appeal prior to the hearing and has agreed to pay the £5,000 penalty in full. The property has also been removed from HMO use.

Checker

Colchester City councillor Paul Smith (pictured), portfolio holder for housing, says it is committed to improving living standards for tenants in the private rented sector, including HMOs, which provide an affordable housing option for many residents.

“We will investigate cases and can issue fines up to £30,000 where offences have been established,” says Smith. “If landlords have any doubts, they can use the HMO licence checker on our website, as well as take advantage of the paid-for advice service offered by our private sector housing team, ensuring there’s no excuse for not meeting licensing obligations.”

Read more about Colchester landlords.

Images: Streetview/Colchester council.