Landlord Prosecuted for Running Illegal HMO for the Second Time
A landlord in Wales has been hit with a hefty fine of nearly £5,000 for repeatedly violating regulations concerning houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs), posing potential risks to the safety of his tenants. This marks the second time the owner, Souhil Laib of Laib Property Investment Limited, has been fined for such offences, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance.
The property at the center of the controversy is East Court Flats located at 170-171 East Road, Tylorstown, which has been configured into eight flats since 2021. Councillor Bob Harris expressed concerns that Laib’s actions could jeopardize the safety of his tenants due to his disregard for HMO regulations. The council first notified Laib in March 2022 that a license was necessary for the property, following a building survey that highlighted non-compliance with building regulations.
Over the next two years, council officials worked with Laib to secure the required license. However, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued a legal notice during this period, citing inadequate fire precautions at the premises. Issues such as lack of lighting in communal areas, dampness, problems with stair treads, and a non-functional intercom system were identified. Despite an improvement notice to address these deficiencies, when no action was taken, legal proceedings were initiated.
In their absence, both Laib Property Investment Limited and Mr. Laib were found guilty at Merthyr Magistrates Court for operating an unlicensed HMO that mandated licensing. The court imposed a total fine of £2,278, comprising a £660 fine, £264 victim surcharge, and £215 in costs for each party. Subsequently, a warning was issued, indicating that further enforcement action would be taken if a license application was not submitted within 21 days.
With no compliance forthcoming, the matter returned to court, culminating in another guilty verdict for Mr. Laib at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on January 23. The court ordered Laib Property Investment Limited and Mr. Laib to pay a combined total of £2,586 for operating without a license, inclusive of fines, costs, and surcharge, to be settled within 28 days. The cumulative fines and costs from both convictions amount to almost £5,000, significantly exceeding the cost of obtaining an HMO license in the first place.
Cabinet member Bob Harris emphasized the council’s commitment to upholding landlord responsibilities and ensuring tenant safety through rigorous enforcement of licensing regulations. He labeled the case as a stark warning to landlords to comply with regulations or face legal consequences, stressing the imperative for proactive property management to address any issues promptly. Harris reiterated the council’s stance on safeguarding communities by taking firm action against rogue landlords who flout stipulated rules.
The case serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the repercussions of non-compliance with HMO regulations, underlining the legal and financial liabilities that landlords may face for neglecting their obligations towards tenant safety and property maintenance. It underscores the importance of adhering to licensing requirements to uphold standards of accommodation and safeguard the well-being of residents. The council’s unwavering stance on enforcing regulations underscores its commitment to fostering secure and robust communities, free from the hazards posed by non-compliant property owners.
In conclusion, the case of Mr. Laib’s repeated violations serves as a pertinent reminder of the legal responsibilities that come with property ownership, particularly in the realm of rented accommodations and HMOs. By holding landlords to account for maintaining safe and compliant living conditions for tenants, authorities aim to uphold standards of housing quality and ensure the welfare of individuals residing in such properties.