No License Costs Landlord £2,000

A Wrexham Landlord has been found guilty of failing to Licence their House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Mr Christopher James Prosser of Talbot Road in Wrexham was ordered to pay a total of £2,020 in fines and court costs.

The prosecution was brought by Wrexham Council’s Housing Standards team at Wrexham magistrates earlier this month.

It is the fifth successful prosecution against a landlord who has failed to licence their HMOs, the first taking place in December last year.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Lead Member for Housing and Planning, said: “I am very pleased that this prosecution has been successful.

“Landlords have had almost two years to obtain a licence and those who have are to be commended for their commitment to maintaining and raising housing standards for our residents. We now take a zero approach to those landlords who are failing in their duty to obtain a licence and this prosecution shows we will not hesitate to bring a prosecution when necessary.

“We are determined to raise and maintain housing standards for all our residents and I would like to thank all members of staff who were involved in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

Mr Wayne Beesley, Environmental Health Officer said: “It is far easier for landlords to obtain a licence for their houses of Houses in Multiple Occupation properties rather than have to face court proceedings, fines and a criminal record.

“We want to help landlords improve their properties so that their tenants can live in safe, good quality accommodation”.