Brighton landlord fined over HMO licence

Landlords who let homes of multiple occupancy (HMO) were reminded of the importance of licensing this week (Monday November 2nd), after a Brighton landlord was fined more than £1,200.

HMO licences have been required by landlords since 2006, and under the Brighton and Hove City Council scheme, can last for up to five years.

Despite this, Mark Walters, who lets a house on Wakefield road in the seaside city, became the first to be prosecuted in the area.

The landlord was fined £500 in his absence and ordered to pay a further £720 costs by Brighton Magistrates Court.

Councillor Maria Caulfield, cabinet member for housing, said: "First and foremost the licensing scheme is there to protect tenants in the city.

"We will work with genuine new landlords who are not aware of the law but will prosecute those who might think that they can wait for the council to find them before applying to be licensed."

Get a landlord property insurance quote today from Simple Landlord Insurance