A seaside council has issued over £15,000 in fines to owners of unlicensed HMOs. 

Torbay council in south Devon adds that “a number of other cases that are currently being investigated [are] likely to result in further financial penalties.”

Fines issued so far include cases involving:

– a previously registered Bed & Breakfast in Paignton that was housing nine tenants. This property  was also found to have fire safety defects;

– a house in Torquay with seven tenants that were affected by structural defects to the property, fire safety and unsafe living conditions;

– an ex-care home which housed a number of tenants where, following a number of visits to the property, the landlord failed to inform the investigating officers of the true number of tenants at the property.

A spokeswoman for the authority says: “Keeping our residents who live in rented accommodation safe from rogue landlords is a top priority for us and these fines should serve as a reminder to all landlords that they must keep themselves up-to-date with legislation and comply with current licensing legislation.

“I would also like to issue a call out to any of our residents who feel that they are living in a rented property that is not adequate to let us know. By providing us with information we can then investigate and ensure the landlords are carrying out work to improve your living conditions.”