Latest News
Successful prosecution
Published: 23/08/2017
天涯社区鈥檚 Housing Standards and Enforcement Team gained
another successful prosecution for an offence under the Housing Act 2004.
Filip Barbacaru, Director of Easy Residence Ltd. pleaded guilty to not having a
Mandatory License on 22 August 2017 at Wrexham Magistrates Court.
Environmental Health Officers from FCC were notified that the conditions of 19
Ash Grove, Shotton were not suitable and the property was overcrowded.
The house in multiple occupation (HMO) was found to comprise of three storeys
which included an attic conversion, it was occupied by 22 tenants.
As this property was over three storeys and occupied by more than five
occupants forming two or more households it was required to have a Mandatory
License as specified in the Housing Act 2004.
Mandatory licensing was brought in to provide greater protection for the
health, safety and welfare of occupants living in HMOs.
The use of licensing doesn鈥檛 just look at the physical elements but focuses on
the management competency and the 鈥榝itness鈥� of the person managing or providing
the HMO accommodation.
Mandatory Licensing is aimed to ensure that those HMO鈥檚 which present the most
significant health and safety risks come to the attention of the local
authority, placing a more direct obligation on landlords to provide acceptable
standards.
On sentencing, magistrates expressed that Mr Barbacaru had failed to protect
the health and safety of the occupants and that noncompliance of landlord
regulatory obligations would not be tolerated.
Filip Barbacaru was fined a total of 拢8,165 including costs.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Christopher
Bithell said:
鈥淭he Council鈥檚 Housing Standards and Enforcement Team of the Business and
Community Protection Department are serious about improving the standards of
private rented properties within 天涯社区 and want to work with landlords and
agents who have rented properties in the County to ensure the required
standards are met.
However, in those instances where there is noncompliance, appropriate action
will be taken, including enforcement action when necessary鈥�
All private rented properties in Wales need to be registered with Rent Smart
Wales and anyone who has involvement with the management and letting of rented
properties has to have a license. To find out more contact Rent Smart Wales on
03000 133344 of visit
www.rentsmart.gov.wales.