The landlord of a house in multiple occupation is the latest to be prosecuted by a council for failing to licence the property and manage it safely.

Kaneeza Abid, of Newport, south Wales pleaded guilty by letter to failing to license an HMO in the city under the Housing Act and was fined £10,000.

She also admitted 10 offences of failing to comply with the 2006 Management Regulations and was fined £1,000 on each offence.

Abid was also ordered to pay council costs of £1,229 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Environmental health officers inspected the property on January 22 this year and found that it needed a licence, and that fire escapes were not clear of obstructions and had poor lighting. 

“HMOs are licensed and regulated for a reason. This is about safety. Tenants are entitled to live in accommodation that is safe. Landlords have that responsibility and the council will not hesitate to take action against those who put tenants at risk” says a council spokesman.