A Salford based managing agent has been fined over £13,000 after breaching critical safety regulations of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
A HMO can be bedsit, shared house or flat occupied by more than one household and more than two people, with shared kitchens or bathrooms.
Following action taken by Salford City Council after an inspection, Student-Haus Limited pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates’ Court.
The company failed to comply with The Licensing and Management of HMO Regulations 2006 following an inspection in November 2023 carried out.
Student-Haus Limited was found guilty of three offences relating to fire safety breaches.
The three offences included breaches of he manager must ensure that all means of escape from fire in the HMO are maintained in good order and repair.
Another breach, was that the manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in good and clean decorative repair.
And the final breach was that the manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in a safe and working condition.
Following the breaches, Student-Haus Limited has been ordered to pay a £6,600 fine, £4,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000 (totalling £13,160).
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty stated: “I’m pleased with this outcome, which clearly reinforces the importance that tenants deserve to live in safe and well managed properties.
“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.”
Cllr. Kelly continued: “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.”
And as Salford City Council are aiming to build a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all, the council are also encouraging landlords to take immediate action.
These actions will ensure that landlord properties will meet the required standards, focusing on key compliance areas and adopting a proactive management approach.
This will not only help in avoiding financial penalties but also in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants.
Landlords of an HMO need to have a licence – and can apply for it here.
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