A local council has successfully applied for a landlord without an appropriate HMO licence to repay housing benefit - no less than almost £48,000 of it.
Earlier this year landlord Mark Thorogood was convicted by Conwy council in north Wales of failing to licence his properties as HMOs.
The authority applied for a Rent Repayment Order to reclaim money paid to him in housing benefit; the application related to six properties in Llandudno.
The Residential Property Tribunal Wales has now assessed the case and Thorogood has until noon on February 12 to pay the money back to the council.
A council spokesman says: “We believe this is the largest Rent Repayment Order to be awarded in Wales and the third largest in England and Wales. Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation is important because it raises management, safety and amenity standards, thereby protecting both the tenants and the local community. Poor standards in rented properties can have adverse effects on neighbourhoods and spoil the quality of life for others.”
%20-%20IMAGE%20Client%20Accounting%20%E2%80%93%20what%20are%20your%20options.jpg)
Join the conversation
Jump to latest comment and add your reply
Good job too - that will send out a harsh message to others who think they are above the law.
Please login to comment