Landlord fines for failing to obtain HMO licence

A Birmingham landlord who failed to obtain a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence from the city council has been prosecuted.

Sabirul Islam, 39, of Stamford Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, has been found guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court for failing to apply for a licence for a property in Turville Road, Handsworth.

Islam was fined £500 as well as being ordered to pay the council’s £2,000 legal costs and a victim surcharge of £15.

Since April 2006, there has been a requirement to licence houses of three storeys or more, occupied by five or more tenants, who have no family connection and share amenities such as a bathroom or kitchen. The licence ensures that management standards and housing conditions in the private rented sector are maintained and includes requirements for basic safety including gas, electrical and means of escape from fire.

Tenants of the Turville Road property can now make an application for a Rent Repayment Order to the Residential Property Tribunal to recover rent paid to Islam.

Councillor John Lines, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “It’s my responsibility to make sure Birmingham tenants, including those who have to share accommodation with a number of other people, are looked after and protected. I will not tolerate unscrupulous landlords who believe they are above the law.

“A prosecution has been brought against this individual to enforce safety standards in the private rented sector.”