Civil Penalty Notices totalling £35,000 issued to landlord
Summary
St Helens council has issued civil penalty notices totalling £35,000 to a landlord for operating an HMO without the required licence and for breaches of HMO Management Regulations. The council says the action forms part of a wider enforcement approach and comes alongside proposals to tighten controls on the change of use of family homes to small HMOs, with consultation due soon.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in HMO inspections, valuations, or due diligence should note the enforcement risk where licensing and management requirements are not met. The proposed planning changes may also affect local HMO supply, compliance expectations, and asset use assumptions.
Key points
- £35,000 in civil penalties issued by St Helens council
- Penalty included operating an unlicensed HMO and breaches of HMO Management Regulations
- Council is adopting a firmer enforcement stance under the Housing Act 2004
- Proposals are being developed to require planning permission for some small HMO conversions
- A consultation on the planning changes is expected soon
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