September 28, 2010 | Author

Author Julie Hanson

Landlords might like to check their house in multiple occupation (HMO) licences are valid after one landlord was fined and ordered to pay back £37,407 in rent.

Rizwan Ahmed was letting a three-storey, nine-bedroom residence on Fulham Road – that was occupied by at least five tenants – without the required certification and received a £20,000 penalty as a result.

It was also found that he had breached five rules of the HMO by failing to maintain fire doors, wall and ceiling plaster and fire alarm systems.

A spokesman for Hammersmith and Fulham Council noted that Mr Ahmed’s tenants had been living in poor conditions.

“This should be a warning to all landlords that the council takes HMO licensing and management regulations seriously,” he remarked.

Those interested in finding out more about the HMO can do so at the Office of Public Sector website, as well as the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Posted by Sarah Adie, Simple Landlords Insurance