An agent operating an HMO on Deeside without a licence and breaking other housing laws has been fined £28,000.

Flintshire council carried out an inspection at the property in January this year which confirmed the house was being operated as a licensable HMO with five occupiers. 

As a result landlord Jayne McGuinness and Richard Collins of RVC Estates Limited were found guilty of 16 housing offences. They did not attend the court hearing and were fined £28,000 with an additional £1,640 in costs.

A council spokesperson says: “This successful prosecution sends a clear message that the council will protect its residents from rogue landlords who operate unlicensed HMOs and do not comply with the Rent Smart Wales laws designed to protect tenants. It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed.”