A Portsmouth letting agency has been fined and its director sentenced after being found guilty of managing overcrowded and unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Portsmouth Crown Court imposed significant financial penalties and community service on the agency and its director following an investigation by Portsmouth City Council.
The agency operated numerous properties in the city on a rent-to-rent basis, where landlords delegate all letting responsibilities to the agency.
Council officers suspected the properties were overcrowded and unlicensed. When they attempted to inspect the homes, tenants – allegedly instructed by the agency – refused them access, prompting the Council to obtain court warrants to forcibly enter.
UNLICENSED HMOs
Inspections confirmed the properties were unlicensed HMOs. Following this discovery, the director of the agency harassed tenants and attempted to evict them unlawfully.
The director pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, as well as offenses related to managing unlicensed HMOs and breaching HMO Management Regulations.
“For harassment and illegal eviction, the director was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge.”
For harassment and illegal eviction, the director was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge. The agency was fined £1,000 and required to pay over £9,000 in costs to the Council. For the unlicensed properties, the director was personally fined £19,150, while the agency faced additional fines of £5,750.
POSITION OF POWER
In delivering the sentence, the judge remarked: “You were in a position of power. These tenants were vulnerable and unaware of their rights. Ensuring their welfare should have been your responsibility.”
The properties are now being managed directly by the owners, with tenants receiving compensation equivalent to two months’ rent.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, says: “The Council will continue to prosecute rogue landlords and agents who violate HMO rules.
“We are committed to protecting tenants and ensuring housing standards are upheld.”
