Feb

44-year-old landlord faces £8,500 fine and costs after second HMO conviction

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A rogue Wolverhampton landlord has been fined £6,000 for failing to licence her HMO – her second conviction for the same crime in a decade.

Mrs Aunberin Saddique, of Maythorne Gardens, admitted the offence after it was discovered she hadn’t registered the property in Hordern Road (pictured).

The 44-year-old had previously been convicted of failing to licence another HMO in 2012. Several of her properties are managed through a company structure.

Dudley Magistrates Court have fined Saddique and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £2,341 and a victim surcharge of £181.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city assets and housing, councillor Jacqueline Sweetman (pictured below), says the council takes a strong stance on HMO licensing.

Stark reminder

She adds: “I hope this case will serve as a stark reminder to private sector landlords that they must comply with the HMO rules.

“Where properties are found to be operating without the required licence, the council will take steps to secure a licence application and ensure the HMO is safe to live in.

“Where unlicensed HMOs are identified, the council will consider legal action, which can involve prosecution in court and financial penalties of up to £30,000.”

The council’s private sector housing team encourages anyone operating an unlicensed HMO with five or more residents to contact the council to discuss applying for a licence.

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