An “experienced” landlord who failed to apply for HMO licences for four properties has been fined at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and ordered to pay £8,420.
Inderjit Singh Panesar, 39, of Mirfield Road in Solihull, and his company JPS Properties UK Ltd, pleaded guilty to failing to apply for HMO licences for four properties in Selly Oak, Birmingham which housed a total of 25 student tenants. He was fined £5,600 with £2,700 costs and a victim surcharge of £120.
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Cllr John Cotton, said: “Mr Panesar and his company failed to apply to the council for HMO licences for four properties despite being both an experienced businessman and portfolio landlord who would have been well aware of the law.
“This meant that we were unable to ensure that the properties complied with national regulations and he could have put his 25 student tenants at risk. I want to assure tenants across the city that we will prosecute landlords who break the law. I would also urge landlords who are unsure of the licensing requirements to contact the council immediately.”
Since April 2006, there has been a requirement to license houses of three storeys or more, occupied by five or more tenants in two or more households, who share an amenity such as a bathroom or kitchen.
The House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence ensures that management standards and housing conditions in the private rented sector are maintained and includes a requirement for basic safety including gas, electrical and means of escape from fire.
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