Salford managing agent fined for serious safety breaches in House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Salford City Council inspection results in court action with a £6,600 fine, costs totalling £4,500 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. (Total cost £13,160)
Three offences of failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of a House in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006, of which the most serious relates to failure to ensure adequate fire escape routes
HMO landlords and managing agents in Salford advised to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards

Salford based Student-Haus Limited pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates’ Court following action taken by Salford City Council after an inspection at the HMO where they were found  breaching critical safety regulations. 
In failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of HMO Regulations 2006 following an inspection in November 2023 carried out by Salford City Council, Student-Haus Limited has been ordered to pay a £6,600 fine, £4,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000 (totalling £13,160).
Student-Haus Limited was found guilty of three offences relating to fire safety breaches.
The three offences included breaches of:

Regulation 4(1)(b) – the manager must ensure that all means of escape from fire in the HMO are maintained in good order and repair.
Regulation 7(1)(a) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in good and clean decorative repair.
Regulation 7(1)(b) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in a safe and working condition.

With its commitment to building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all, Salford City Council strongly encourages landlords to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards, focusing on key compliance areas and adopting a proactive management approach. This will not only help in avoiding financial penalties but also in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty stated: “I’m pleased with this outcome, which clearly reinforces the importance that tenants deserve to live in safe and well managed properties. This action by the court and through civil penalty notices issued by the Council should be a warning to other landlords to check they are meeting all their obligations.
“Negligent landlords who put tenants’ health and safety at risk have no excuse to abandon their legal duties. Residents of Salford living in HMOs can be assured that the council will take action against landlords and agents who don’t stick to the rules.”