Homes in Multiple Occupation Should Be Registered
A landlord has been fined £6,000 after admitting renting out a property in Oxford without registering it as a shared house:
Nadeem Aftab, who lives in London, admitted to renting out the property in Nuffield Road, Oxford, without a licence and to breaching rules on houses in multiple occupation (HMO). He was fined £4,000 for operating without a licence, £2,000 for breaching the housing in multiple occupation management regulations, and ordered to pay £1,000 costs following a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.
Needless to say this is a huge problem in London as well. Too many landlords lack the skills and knowledge to professionally manage a rental property. And there are oh-how-many hazards in a house that occupies more than 2 households…
If you are a tenant in a house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants, who form 2 or more households, and who share a kitchen, bathroom or a toilet – for your own safety – find out if your home is considered a house in multiple occupation (HMO), and whether it is registered. If the landlord fails to ensure you, you can find out from your local authority. Each London Borough has a section devoted for it. Go to your borough’s website from our list HERE and search for multiple occupation to find out more.
Photo: House in Hackney, London
