A UK landlord who rented out and managed a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has been fined more than £10,000 after an inspection revealed management failings and breaches of the Housing Act 2004 at his ‘dangerous’ property.
Mr Fiaz found himself before a Court after housing officers from Wirral Council visited his property and discovered dangerous and exposed electrical wiring, fire safety failings and poorly maintained kitchen and bathroom facilities.
A Judge ruled that the mismanaged property, which had been converted into 20 small bedsits located above commercial buildings, was unfit for habitation due to ‘serious and dangerous’ health and safety hazards.
Mr Fiaz was ordered to pay £10,339 for offences under the Housing Act 2004 – the highest fine ever handed out in the region for such offences.
A Wirral authority spokesperson said: “Councils have a duty to act if they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant’s health or safety.
“If landlords fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue.
“Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in Court action and potentially hefty fines”.
The case highlights the potential consequences UK landlords could face should they fail to correctly and sufficiently maintain their rented-out properties.