Landlord fined for breaches of HMO licence

A landlord who failed to provide a fire detection and alarm system in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has been fined a total of £13,600.

Penalties were imposed by the city council after the landlord failed to meet 3 conditions of the HMO licence for the property in central Brighton.

The fine is made up of:

  • £8,000 for failure to provide a fire detection and alarm system
  • £4,000 for failure to construct a 30 minute fire resistant enclosure around electrical intake equipment
  • £1,600 for failure to provide a means of ventilation to the kitchen by installing a mechanical extractor fan

Improving standards in privately rented homes

The council operates licensing schemes for HMOs to ensure the properties are safe and habitable for tenants.

If properties do not meet the required standards, conditions are put on the licence requiring landlords to carry out the necessary work.

Councillor David Gibson, Co-chair of the Housing Committee, said: “Our priority is to raise standards in more privately rented homes in the city and make sure that tenants in the sector can live in safe, healthy and well-managed homes.

“When landlords do not engage to resolve problems, we will issue fines.

“This landlord has put residents at risk by failing to maintain proper safety standards. Where landlords fail their responsibilities to their tenants, we will not hesitate to take action.”

Find out more

If you think you live in an unlicensed HMO, you can contact our Private Sector Housing team at PSH@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

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