A landlord in Nottinghamshire has been penalised with a fine amounting to £17,500 following the discovery by local council officers that he was managing two properties without the necessary license.
These rental residences were situated within the selective licensing area under a program administered by Ashfield District Council in the town of Sutton-in-Ashfield. This scheme has been in operation since 2017 and was extended for an additional five years in 2022. While the scheme initially encompassed the New Cross and Stanton Hill areas of the market town, there were alterations made to these areas during the extension period.
Despite the substantial fine imposed on the landlord, the council has opted for a somewhat lenient approach, despite the fact that both the landlord and their agent disregarded written communications from the council, including a final warning to obtain the necessary licenses for the properties.
Furthermore, the council has chosen not to disclose the identity of the landlord or the properties involved, having reached an agreement to shield them from public scrutiny in exchange for their acceptance of the penalty.
According to the council, the properties owned by the landlord were incorporated into the local selective licensing framework following the extension of an existing scheme two years prior. They stated that these measures have contributed to fostering positive changes and enhancements within the homes and the broader community.