A LANDLORD in Whitnash has been fined after a law change ruled houses shared by more than five people needed a licence.
Glenn Gamblin, the landlord of the Palmer Road property, received the ‘civil penalty’ after he failed to register the house in multiple occupation (HMO) after the introduction of new legislation in October.
The landlord had let five rooms, each to a single tenant.
As well as failing to register the HMO, inspectors were concerned about the means of escape in an emergency from one of the rooms.
Mr Gamblin was fined £4,500.
Warwick District Council housing spokeswoman Jan Matecki said: “This case sends a clear message to all landlords that they must keep up to date with legislation which affects them. If a property is let to five or more sharers they must apply for an HMO license and ensure they have the appropriate certification to ensure the safety of their tenants.”
