Stoke-on-Trent landlord handed £11.8k fine for running HMO without licence

Council officers visited the property and found it failed to meet minimum standards

A landlord has been fined £11,800 for running a house of multiple occupation (HMO) without a licence.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said a tenant complained in 2022 about Lee Challinor's Liverpool Road property.

Council officers said it was in a poor condition with bathrooms that failed to meet minimum standards.

Challinor pleaded guilty to operating a licensable HMO without a licence and breaching a number of management regulations.

Officers also found evidence of a fly infestation as well as a build-up of waste and sludge in the backyard.

At a hearing at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 16 November, Challinor was also ordered to pay an additional £2,000 costs and a £195 victim surcharge.

Evidence of a fly infestation was found at the property by council officials

Councillor Chris Robinson said the authority took complaints seriously.

"We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it serves as a reminder to private landlords operating in Stoke-on-Trent of their responsibilities to provide safe, quality homes," he said.

He urged any residents who experienced problems with privately-rented homes to get in touch with the council.