HiMO Landlord Fined

21 March 2011, 17:09 | Updated: 21 March 2011, 17:55

A landlord was fined £7,000 at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court on Friday (18/03/11) for failing to improve rented homes to a legal standard and for letting out without permission.

Mr Michael Fitzroy Hines, of 146 Downs Barn Boulevard, Downs Barn, was found guilty in his absence of three offences under the Housing Act 2004.

Magistrates found Mr Hines had failed to comply with an improvement notice for 28 Springfield Boulevard, Springfield, Milton Keynes, and had not licensed it as a House in Multiple Occupation (HiMO).

He was also fined for failing to comply with an improvement notice for a further property at 15 Verity Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes.

Mr Hines was fined £2,000 for each improvement notice breach relating to fire safety and £3,000 for failing to licence a HiMO – a total fine was £7,000.

Costs of £778.64 were awarded to Milton Keynes Council.

Cllr Chris Williams, cabinet member responsible for Housing, said: “I would like to thank the very diligent private sector housing officers.

“This should show landlords and the public alike that the Council recognises the important role Houses in Multiple Occupation play in the city and we are very determined that they are regulated to the highest possible standards.”