The penalties were imposed for operating an unlicensed HMO, a breach of the Housing Act 2004, and for safety failures under The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006. A fine of £1,250 was issued for each occupant, resulting in the total penalty.
Following the enforcement action, the property has undergone improvements and has now been successfully licensed after the necessary checks and safety certificates were obtained.
Residents with information about illegal HMO properties are encouraged to contact the council’s Housing Enforcement and Licensing Team at private.sector@hertsmere.gov.uk. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
“"This goes to show that the council takes these matters very seriously and will not hesitate to enforce the legislation where landlords and property owners fail to licence properties and where safety measures are not installed. The safety of tenants in HMO properties must be taken seriously."
