Failure to have a licence to control or manage a house of multiple occupation could land you in court – that’s the message from Denbighshire County Council as it takes a tough stance against those who flout housing laws.
Last week a woman who owns a house in Rhyl was found guilty of failing to obtain a licence for a House of Multiple Occupation which she has control or management of. She was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a further £2,000 in costs.
Earlier this month the Council’s Housing Enforcement Team, using new powers under the Housing Act 2004, issued an Interim Management Order on the owner of the property in Crescent Road, Rhyl for failing to obtain a licence for his property in multiple occupation.
The landlord had been trying to find a suitable person to apply for the licence for some time. However, the council took this action after three separate individuals had withdrawn as proposed licence holders over the last 12 months.
Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “These cases show that Denbighshire is protecting the welfare of tenants in houses of multiple occupation by making sure that properties in the county are safe and adhere to housing laws.
“We work closely with owners of HMOs to inform and educate them about their roles and responsibilities and we will help them wherever possible to comply with the law.
“However, if any owner fails to comply with legislation we can and will use our powers when no other option is available.”
