Successful conclusion to Housing in Multiple Occupation case

Christian Jowett, instructed by Newport City Council, recently successfully prosecuted two companies and two individuals for offences of managing unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The prosecution centred on the failure to licence two substantial properties in Newport as houses in multiple occupation together with the failure to comply with management regulations.

All four defendants were sentenced by District Judge John Charles at Abergavenny Magistrates Court and were fined a total of £27,000 and ordered to pay costs totalling £25,000.

The first manager pleaded guilty to three offences of managing both properties as HMOs when they were not licensed. He also admitted two offences of failing to maintain fire escapes and keeping all parts safe and in working order at that same property, contrary to the regulations. He was fined a total of £9,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £8,000.

The second manager pleaded guilty to managing one set of premises when it was not licensed. He was fined £4,000 with costs of £4,000.

The first company pleaded guilty to two offences of managing both properties as HMOs when they were not licensed and to 10 offences under the HMO management regulations. The company was fined £11,000 and ordered to pay costs of £11,000.

The second company pleaded guilty to one offence of managing premises as an unlicensed HMO. It was fined £3,000 with costs of £2,000.

The case is the largest of an increasing number of HMO licensing prosecutions undertaken by members of 9 Park Place.