Four figure bill for buy to let investor failing to licence an HMO

A landlord has been found guilty of failing to license an HMO - and has ended up with a bill of more than £1,200.

Nicholas Moyses was called to Boston Magistrates Court after he ignored numerous attempts by South Holland council to ensure that he attained the necessary HMO licence for the house.

Following a lack of response from Moyses on whether or not the property was being used as an HMO, an inspection was carried out in June by council officers who confirmed that the property still had multiple occupancy, with six bedrooms in total.

Moyses failed to attend court but the magistrates agreed to hear the case in his absence, and he was found guilty of failing to licence his home correctly. 

For this he received a fine of £750, together with a victim surcharge of £75 and costs of £380. This made a total amount payable of £1,205.

A spokeswoman for the council says: "This prosecution highlights our continued commitment to ensuring that residents across South Holland are kept safe from unlicensed and unsafe landlords. 

"Homes need to provide tenants with a healthy and safe environment to live in, and the licensing is a crucial part of us being able to monitor this and ensure that these necessary standards are met. The legislation exists for a reason and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who does not comply with it."