Illegal Houses in Multiple Occupation discovered in Ashfield
Two unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) were found in Ashfield last week during unannounced inspections by Ashfield District Council.
Officers from the Council’s Environmental Health Residential Team carried out unannounced powers of entry inspections of three properties in Hucknall and Sutton Central suspected of being run as unlicensed HMOs.
Two properties were identified as being occupied HMOs. A small flat on Outram Street was occupied by six males who were being charged over £1500 a month by the landlord. The other HMO was found in Hucknall with a bypassed electric meter and no fire detection in place.
The third property inspected in Sutton, was overcrowded with no heating, and damp and mould problems.
Officers took immediate action to ensure the occupiers of the properties were safe, and are currently investigating the landlords of these properties.
The Housing act 2004 requires all properties occupied by five or more people forming two or more households who share amenities to be licenced. It is a criminal offence for someone to manage, or be in control of, a property that requires a licence but is not licenced, offences can result in prosecution or penalties of up to £30,000.
Cllr Tom Hollis, Executive Lead for Strategic Housing and Climate Change, said:
"The vast majority of landlords in Ashfield operate responsibly, but there is a small minority that don’t, and this can put their tenants at risk and impact on the wider community. Overcrowded properties often house the most vulnerable residents in the community and we are committed to targeting unscrupulous landlords and improving the lives for private tenants.
“The team have information to suggest that we have approximately 80 HMOs that may be required to be licenced or are smaller HMOs not complying with the required regulations. Over the coming months officers will continue with investigations of suspected HMOs as part of our dedication to improve housing and safeguard our most vulnerable residents.”
If you are a landlord and are unsure if you need a licence - or are a resident with concerns about an HMO, please contact the Environmental Health Residential Team on 01623457345 (option1) or Email ehresidential@ashfield.gov.uk
