A landlord has been charged and fined for committing 10 counts of breaching HMO regulations at the same address.

Quality Homes NW Limited and director Mark Hogg were sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court for 10 offences each relating to a property on Colne, Lancashire.

The property had not been managed in accordance with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.  The regulations breached were duty of manager to provide information to occupier; duty of manager to take safety measures; duty of manager to maintain the common parts, fixtures and fittings and duty of manager to maintain living accommodation.

Pendle council spokespeople say of the incident: “Ensuring the safety of tenants is a fundamental responsibility of all landlords. The condition of this property was so poor, it is fortunate it has not resulted in a fatality. This fine is a critical reminder that neglecting safety standards will not be tolerated. We urge all landlords to prioritise compliance with regulations.

“We had previously warned Mr Hogg on a number of occasions about the state of the property; but unfortunately he did not take the council’s warning seriously and failed to take any action.

“Environmental Health Officers … found appalling and unhygienic living conditions, which is completely unacceptable. There were damaged and smashed windows; damp and water ingress; and a shared toilet had leaked into the kitchen with no attempt made to sanitise it.

“The communal cooker was broken, resulting in the tenants using portable appliances in their bedrooms, which dramatically increased fire risk. There were combustibles on corridors, fire doors in poor condition and fire alarm systems not maintained, faulty and not tested.”

The company was fined £8,000 with a £2,000 surcharge and £1,862.50 in costs, totalling £11,862.50.

Hogg was fined £2,155 with a £862 surcharge, totalling £3,017.00. This was taking into account his guilty plea. He has now sold the property; the company had 42 houses and now only has 16 remaining which Hogg intends to sell over the next 12 months to wind the company up.