A council has acted against a landlord for not having the required licence and failing to comply with enforcement notices issued by officers relating to safety and suitability of an HMO.

The landlord was prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £15,081.69, including costs.

The landlord had been operating an unlicensed HMO in the King’s Hedges area of Cambridge. 

Following several inspections of the property by council officers in 2024, a number of health and safety concerns, and repair works were identified. Officers attempted to engage with the landlord, but these efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, Improvement Notices were served to ensure the necessary works were completed. 

Once it was determined these had not been completed, the council undertook works in default to ensure the tenants were not living in hazardous conditions. 

The matter was referred to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. The defendant did not attend court and did not enter a plea, but was found guilty of the failure to comply with the Improvement Notices served, failure to comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations, and failure to apply for an HMO licence.