Landlords Prosecuted After Failure To Obtain HMO Licence

Wrexham Council has taken action against two landlords for failing to obtain a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence.

At Wrexham Magistrates Court, Mr Thomas Shedreck Ayonuwe of 59 Crestline Court, Northampton was found guilty following a trial where he denied failing to obtain a licence for operating a HMO. He denied failing to comply with an Improvement notice served upon him to bring the property up to the minimum required standard. He was ordered to pay £2,000 in fines for the offences as well as £1,000 costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

In another case, Mrs Monica Mary Elizabeth Hoffman pleaded guilty for operating a HMO without obtaining a licence. She was fined £3, 000 and ordered to pay £181 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Landlords who fail to licence their HMO properties will be prosecuted by Wrexham County Borough Council and can face a fine of up to £20,000.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Lead Member for Housing said:

“The message to HMO landlords is clear; apply for your licence now or risk prosecution. We are proactively working with HMO landlords to assist them and also to raise standards. But if they choose not to cooperate and apply for their licences promptly, we will have no hesitation in taking firm enforcement action.

“In Wrexham we are determined to raise the standards of housing for our residents and licensing properties is just one way we can make sure this happens. I would like also to take this opportunity to thank all the staff involved in bringing about these successful prosecutions.”

For in formation landlords are advised to contact Wrexham County Borough Council’s Housing Standards on 01978 315579 or www.wrexham.gov.uk/hmo for application forms and further information.