Housing management companies fined £45k after Merseyside council brings prosecutions over lack of selective licence

Sefton Council has secured £45,000 in fines after bringing 10 prosecutions of three housing management companies.

The local authority said damp, mould and overcrowding were among the matters on which the charges were brought.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to managing or being in control of properties without the required selective licence, Sefton said.

In one case, carbon monoxide alarms had not been fitted and there were serious deficiencies in electrical installation.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways said: “These cases…. are a firm reminder to landlords and property management companies that Sefton Council will take action against them if they do not comply with licensing agreements or provide properties that are fit and safe for people to live in…

“Since being introduced in 2018, the Licensing schemes have enabled us to step in and deal with over 3,000 serious health and safety hazards, including problems with fire safety, electrical hazards, damp & mould and excess cold.”

Last year, Sefton Council extended its Selective and Additional (HMO) Licensing schemes for private rented homes until the end of February 2028.

Cllr Veidman added: “[These] prosecutions were a further reminder of our belief that tenants have a right to safe and secure home as a basic need and evidence that we are dedicating more time to enforcement cases.

“We will continue to inspect properties and work with landlords to ensure they are kept to an acceptable standards, but in cases where landlords refuse to comply, we will continue to seek prosecutions against landlords who do not follow the basic guidelines. And we will follow up on cases brought to our attention by members of the public as was the case here.”

Harry Rodd