A student housing firm has been told to pay £13,160 for breaching safety regulations at a Salford HMO.

Student-Haus Ltd admitted three offences relating to keeping all means of fire escape routes in good order and repair, ensuring that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in good and clean decorative repair, and that all common parts are maintained in a safe and working condition.

Salford City Council took action against the firm after an HMO inspection in 2023. At a hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, it was told to pay a £6,600 fine, £4,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

Required standards

Councillor Tracy Kelly (pictured) lead member for housing and anti-poverty, explains that it strongly encourages landlords to ensure their properties meet required standards, by focusing on key compliance areas and adopting a proactive management approach.

“I’m pleased with this outcome, which clearly reinforces the importance that tenants deserve to live in safe and well managed properties,” she says. “This action by the court and through civil penalty notices issued by the council should be a warning to other landlords to check they are meeting all their obligations.

“Negligent landlords who put tenants’ health and safety at risk have no excuse to abandon their legal duties. Residents of Salford living in HMOs can be assured that the council will take action against landlords and agents who don’t stick to the rules.”