Fines upheld on rogue HMO landlords after tribunal hearing

Successful enforcement of financial penalties on two landlords for violating the Housing Act 2004, upheld by the Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal:

• Nasser Butt, a licence holder of two HMOs, was fined £2,750 for over-occupying properties beyond the permitted limits of his HMO licences. His appeal was unsuccessful.
• Martin New faced a £3,000 penalty for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice regarding substandard housing conditions. Originally fined £5,100, this was reduced upon appeal. Required remedial actions included fixing a defective gas boiler, addressing mould, and clearing a dilapidated garden shed.

A council spokesperson stressed the importance of landlords adhering to housing regulations, hoping these outcomes discourage bad practices and reassure compliant landlords of the council’s commitment to improving local housing standards.