A mystery unnamed landlord has been hit with a bill of over £115,000 as a result of a series of problem with four properties in West Northamptonshire. 

The local council inspected the four homes in March 2020 under a housing warrant after complaints were raised over noise, fly-tipping and waste accumulations. It was found that all four properties were unlicensed HMOs and that each had significant defects.

During the sentencing at Northampton Magistrates Court, the District Judge stated that the tenants were vulnerable and there was reasonable expectation that the landlord would provide a safe home. 

The landlord was ordered to pay a £100,000 fine, plus £15,000 contribution to the council and a £181 statutory victim surcharge.

A spokesperson for the council says: “It is a landlord’s responsibility to maintain their properties and ensure they do not become a burden on the community. In this case, it is clear from the complaints received that the landlord had little respect for the tenants or the area in which the property is situated. 

“I hope this prosecution is a warning to all rogue landlords as our Housing Team are committed to making renting safer for our residents and stopping rogue and criminal landlords. This case demonstrates that we will act when members of the public contact us with their concerns. If you have a concern, please do report it via our website so our team can investigate further.”