A landlord has been hit with an £11,800 fine for operating an HMO without a licence.

Stoke-on-Trent council launched an investigation into landlord Lee Challinor in 2022 after receiving a complaint from a tenant who was living in the property.

Following numerous visits, council officers found that the property was in a poor condition. 

The bathrooms failed to meet minimum standards and there was evidence of a fly infestation in the property, together with a build-up of waste and sludge in the backyard.

The council determined Challinor had been operating a licencable HMO without a licence and breached a number of management regulations.

After pleading guilty to the charges, he received an £11,800 fine for both offences.

During the court hearing at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Challinor was also ordered to pay £2,000 costs and a £195 victim surcharge.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning, says: “We work closely with private landlords in the city to ensure that their properties meet the minimum quality standards and ensure that they are operating within the law.

“When we do receive complaints, we take them extremely seriously and do not hesitate to take action. Bad landlords wreck lives and we are committed to putting a stop to that.

“We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hopes it serves as a reminder to private landlords operating in Stoke-on-Trent of their responsibilities to provide safe, quality homes.”