Three landlords have been successfully prosecuted by Birmingham City Council following their failure to maintain a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The Council started legal proceedings against Abdul Jabber, the owner, his wife, Azrah Begum, and the owner's brother, Gul Bahar citing three breaches on the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation.
They were prosecuted for ‘flagrant, and dangerous, breaches of legislation’ following a fire that occurred at the property in the early hours of 27th October 2011. The fire service was called upon to rescue people from inside the building.
Following the fire, officers from Birmingham City Council inspected the property and found that the property had not been sufficiently maintained e.g. several smoke detectors were still covered in their original wrappings.
On 29th August 2012 all three defendants pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrate's Court and were fined a total of £3,000 for the offences, a victim surcharge of £15 each, and were ordered to pay the City Council costs totalling £3,814.
The Council has issued over 1700 since April 2006 ensuring that management standards and housing conditions in the private rented sector are maintained and demonstrating that there are many landlords in Birmingham whom comply with the specified regulations.
Landlords who are unsure of the licensing or HMO standards should check the Council web site or telephone the team on 0121 303 4009.
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For more information contact Karen Blanchette on 0121 303 6969
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