First Landlord Prosecuted Under Brent Council's Additional Licensing Scheme
Further to our article of February 25th regarding selective licensing, a landlord who evaded the need for a licence under Brent Council's new additional licensing scheme has found himself before the courts.
On 14 April 2015, Willesden Magistrates Court found Mr Douglas Gerard-Reynolds guilty of renting out a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without a licence. He failed to attend court and was found guilty in his absence.
He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,457 and victim surcharge of £100, a total penalty of £2,557.
On 9 February 2015, Brent Council had written to Mr Douglas Gerard-Reynolds advising of the need to submit a licence application for his property in NW2 as the property was being let to private tenants.
Brent Council officers then made an unannounced visit to the address on 26 February to inspect the property. They found that the two-storey property contained 10 units of accommodation and was in a poor condition. Tenants had also complained about inadequate heating facilities and water leaks.
Spencer Randolph, Head of Private Housing Services at Brent Council said: "Landlords in Brent need to be aware of the consequences if they fail to apply for a licence. Landlord licensing will drive up the quality of thousands of privately rented properties in Brent and help us to protect the minority of tenants plagued by rogue landlords."
“Don't end up in Court”
From 1 January 2015 it has been a legal requirement for landlords in Brent to have a licence for certain properties. A selective licence is now required for all rental properties within the Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green areas, whilst a mandatory HMO or additional scheme licence is required for every House in Multiple Occupation throughout the borough.
If you are a landlord with property in Brent and need to apply for a licence, go to Brent.gov.uk
Written by Deb Roberts
Source Estates IT Ltd
