Chesterfield landlord prosecuted and fined £5,000
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An officer from the authority’s private sector housing team carried out an inspection at a property on Jawbones Hill, Chesterfield, on November 24 last year.
This check confirmed the property was being operated as a licensable house in multiple occupation (HMO) – but the owner had not applied for a licence.
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Hide AdEarlier this month, Andrew William Docherty, of Hill View Road, Brimington, pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a licensable HMO without a licence.
Magistrates in Derby issued a fine of £5,000 for operating a licensable HMO without a licence.
Docherty was also ordered to pay the borough council’s costs of more than £1,000 and pay a victim surcharge of £190.
Councillor Chris Ludlow, the authority’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Our private sector housing team work to protect those living in the private housing sector.
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Hide Ad“We will take legal action against landlords and agents who let unlicensed HMOs or who rent properties that fall below the required standards.
“This prosecution should be seen as a strong warning to landlords across the borough that they must comply with the rules or face the consequences.”
If a property is occupied by five or more people in two or more households (including students or a group on one tenancy agreement) it will require a HMO licence. If you think a property you own or live in may need a licence, report it to the borough council’s private sector housing team by emailing [email protected]