Cambridge City Council has acted against a landlord for not having the required licence and failing to comply with enforcement notices issued by officers relating to safety and suitability of a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The Cambridge based landlord was prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £15,081.69, including costs.
The landlord had been operating an unlicensed HMO in King’s Hedges. Under the Housing Act 2004, certain types of rented HMOs must be licensed to ensure they meet safety, suitability, and management standards. Compliance with these requirements helps to protect tenants and maintain housing standards.
Following several inspections of the property by council officers in 2024, a number of health and safety concerns, and repair works were identified. Officers attempted to engage with the landlord, but these efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, Improvement Notices were served to ensure the necessary works were completed.
Once it was determined these had not been completed, the council undertook works in default to ensure the tenants were not living in hazardous conditions.
The matter was referred to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. The defendant did not attend court and did not enter a plea. The defendant was found guilty of the failure to comply with the Improvement Notices served, failure to comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations, and failure to apply for an HMO licence.
Advice for residents living in private rented accommodation
You can raise concerns or make a complaint about private rented accommodation in the city to the council. This could be about the safety, suitability or management of the property and includes properties that might not be licensed when they should be.
Advice for landlords
Cambridge City Council works with landlords, and other agencies to achieve safe, decent and affordable housing for all private rented sector tenants.
The council can also offer guidance for landlords to help ensure compliance with relevant regulations and legislation.
