Bucks landlord ordered to pay £12k for operating an unsafe, unlicensed HMO
Buckinghamshire Council is continuing to take enforcement action against unscrupulous landlords operating within the county. Recently, a High Wycombe landlord was found guilty of operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and putting tenants at risk.
Mr Ahmad Kamal Younus, of Ellsworth Road, High Wycombe, the landlord in question, was charged with five offences, including managing an unlicensed HMO and failing to ensure fire safety measures were in place. The property was discovered whilst an Environmental Health Officer was visiting another property in the vicinity of Ellsworth Road, High Wycombe.
Mr Younus initially tried to conceal the true nature of the property during the first inspection, claiming the property was a family home. However, further investigation by the council’s Housing and Domestic Team revealed that the property was indeed an HMO, housing more than six unrelated occupants.
The trial took place on 6 March 2023, at Wycombe Magistrate Court before District Judge Sharma. Mr Younus was found guilty on all charges, with the Judge concluding that he must have known the house was an HMO. The property was found to be in poor condition, with numerous fire safety violations.
Mr Younus was fined £5,000, ordered to pay costs of £6,878.96, and a victim surcharge of £190, totalling £12,068.96.
Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing & Regulatory Services, said:
“We are committed to ensuring that tenants live in safe and secure conditions. As part of this commitment, we will continue taking decisive action against landlords who put the welfare of tenants at risk by operating unsafe, unlicensed HMOs.
“Landlords operating an HMO with five or more tenants must apply for a licence to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”
For more information on HMO licensing, please visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website.
The stair covering, which was unsecured and in poor condition, presented a trip hazard.
Key turn lock on the final exit door at the rear of the property, contrary to Section 234(3) of the Housing Act 2004, which requires that this type of door can be opened from the inside without the use of a key.