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Landlord and Letting Agent Prosecuted for Poor Management of HMO

Released on 21 May 2008

An Oxford landlord and a property agent have been fined a total of £5375.50 and £6565.50 respectively for breaches of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations.

The Landlord (Mr Allen McAllister) and the agent (Hutton Parker), pleaded guilty to the offences at the Oxford Magistrates Court on 13 May 2008.

The properties at 1, 2 and 3 Beckett Street were visited in July 2007 following an application to licence the properties as HMOs. At the time of the visit a number of breaches were found under the management regulations.

The inspection of the properties revealed filthy conditions, disrepair, and exposed electrical fittings. The fire escape routes were blocked by furniture and other items were stored in the stairways.

Councillor Ed Turner, City Executive Board Member for Finance, Housing and Strategic Planning, says: "The new administration is extremely keen to clamp down on bad landlords, who are letting down both their tenants, and the wider community. 

"I would encourage any tenants experiencing difficulties of this sort to make contact with the Council."

Anyone wishing to contact the Council about problems with private landlords should call the Environmental Development department on 01865 252887.

All Houses in Multiple Occupation (irrespective of size) must comply with the HMO management regulations, so as to ensure that occupiers of HMOs live in accommodation which is safe, in good repair and well managed.

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