The landlord of a property in Bath has been prosecuted and fined £10,000 for failing to licence a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Bath & North East Somerset Council prosecuted Ms Tracey Davies of Bathwick Street after it was discovered the 10 bedroom property was operating illegally.
The case came before Bath Magistrates’ Court on 10th December 2020 when Ms Davies was found guilty in her absence.
Acting on information received that the property was likely to be operating as an illegal HMO, on 13th February 2019 Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Housing Services team carried out an inspection of the property in Bathwick Street.
Officers confirmed that the property should have been licensed under mandatory and additional licensing schemes.
The property is a 5-storey building with 10 bedrooms, a shared kitchen, living/dining room and a shower room with WC.
Officers found the property to be in a poor condition.
The court sentenced Ms Davies to a fine of £10,000 and she was ordered to pay the prosecution costs of £3,850 and a victim surcharge of £190.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message to landlords of HMOs that they must comply with their legal responsibilities.
“We work hard to ensure that properties in B&NES are safe and fit for purpose for the number of people living in them.
“If you suspect a property is a house in multiple occupation and is not licensed, or you have any concerns about an HMO, please report it to us.”
Unlicensed HMOs can be reported here.
