Croydon Council is warning all landlords operating all ‘Homes is Multiple Occupancy’ – properties used as bedsits or shared houses – to ensure they are properly licensed after a company was found guilty of running an unlicensed HMO from a three-bedroom property in the borough and fined almost £15,000.
Recent changes to regulations make it mandatory for multiple occupancy properties to be licensed and grant local authorities powers to ensure the properties are safe and up to standard.
Councillor Dudley Mead, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing on Croydon Council, said: “A lot of potentially vulnerable tenants live in HMOs and can be taken advantage of despite paying their rent on time and being responsible tenants.”
Cllr Mead said the successful prosecution “should act as a warning to other landlords who think they are above the law. If you do not have a licence we will not hesitate to take action against you and it could cost you dearly.”
