Colchester landlord fined £5,000 for unlicensed property

Colchester Council issued the Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) to the landlord for failing to license a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Marks Tey, following an investigation by the council’s Private Sector Housing team.

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a rented property where three or more occupants, from two or more households, share facilities like a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet, and where it is their primary residence.

The council was made aware of this unlicensed HMO after a complaint was received from one of the occupants.

Property - The HMO was situated in Marks Tey. (Image: Google Maps)

Upon investigation and inspection of the property, it was found that a four-bedroom flat was being occupied by a family of four and two additional unrelated males.

The occupants shared a single kitchen and bathroom, and the property “failed to meet the required fire safety and amenity standards”.

Under current legislation, any property that accommodates five or more unrelated individuals from two or more households, and where facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms are shared, requires an HMO licence.

As the property did not meet this requirement, the landlord was issued with a CPN for operating the HMO without the appropriate licence.

The landlord initially appealed the CPN to the First Tier Tribunal, but they later withdrew the appeal before the hearing and has since agreed to pay the £5,000 penalty in full.

The property has also been removed from HMO use.

Investigate - Colchester Council looked into the matter after a complaint and has fined the landlord £5,000. (Image: Mike Quinn)

Councillor Paul Smith, portfolio holder for Housing, said: “We are committed, as a council, to improving living standards for tenants in the private rented sector, including houses in multiple occupation, which provide an affordable housing option for many residents in the city.

“We will investigate cases and can issue fines up to £30,000 where offences have been established.

“If landlords have any doubts, they can use the HMO Licence checker on our website, as well as take advantage of the paid for advice service offered by our Private Sector Housing team, ensuring there's no excuse for not meeting licensing obligations.”

The funds recovered from this case will support further investigations into unlicensed and substandard HMOs in Colchester, as the council continues its efforts to ensure that all rental properties meet the required safety and living standards.