HMO's; Birmingham City Council wins over Student Landlord in Licence Case.

BCC succesfully prosecuted a landlord who failed to obtain several House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licences.

The landlord, from edgebaston was found guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court of failing to apply for HMO's for 6 of his rented properties which were let to students.  He was fined £3,000 per property with costs of £2,072, taking the total fine to £20,072.

Since April 2006, it has been a legal requirement that landlords who have 3 storey houses or more, with 5 or more tenants, who have NO family connection and share amenities such as a bathroom or kitchen obtain an HMO.

The basis of this is to ensure the councils know of the HMO's, and that housing conditions in the private rented sector are maintained.  It allows for basic safety requirements including gas, electrical and means of escape.

BCC had written to the landlord on several occasions asking him to licence.

Following the Court case, the landlord submitted applications for HMO's.

If you are a landlord with an HMO, get it licenced; don't get a fine.