There was a series of raids on HMOs led by a local authority early one morning at the end of last week, prompting a series of investigations to try to target rogue letting agents and landlords. 

In the early hours of Thursday June 2 a Luton council team entered five properties and outbuildings in the town, with the assistance of the police.

A large number of people were found being housed in poor conditions, some of which were unlicensed HMOs as well as unauthorised constructions.

“The purpose of HMO licensing is to ensure that the properties meet certain standards in relation to disrepair, fire safety and that there are enough toilet and washing facilities for the number of people living there – none of the properties were found to have adequate protection against fire. The tenants have now been offered housing advice” says a statement from the council.

“The good news for unlicensed HMO tenants taken advantage of in situations like these is that they may be able to claim up to 12 months rent back from the landlord – something we hope will make landlords think twice and take seriously their legal obligations” claims the statement.