A council has fined two landlords a total of £25,200.

The landlords were operating an HMO in Sittingbourne and were fined for having more occupants than allowed by their property licence.

Swale council’s housing enforcement team carried out an investigation following an internal referral and found more people living in the property than permitted. A kitchen within the HMO had been converted into a self-contained unit for a couple, which greatly increased the risks to the tenants’ safety and well-being.

A council spokesperson says: “This is a significant fine which sends a clear message to HMO landlords that we will not tolerate breaches of licence conditions or management regulations.“Overcrowded living conditions aren’t just unpleasant for those living there, but increases the risk of hazards like fire, and can mean people don’t have access to essential amenities.

“The safety of tenants is paramount, and we will continue to take firm action against those who fail to meet their legal obligations.”

The landlords were found to be in breach of the Housing Act 2004, which regulates the management and safety standards in HMOs.

The proceeds of the fine are ringfenced, so they are directly reinvested back into the council’s private housing enforcement efforts.This will help supporting ongoing inspections, investigations and enforcement actions to help maintain housing standards and protect vulnerable tenants from unsafe living conditions.The fine was issued in June and was not appealed by either landlord and the payment was made with a 25% early payment discount applied.