Bognor Regis landlord fined for running an unlicensed HMO
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Daniel Chodak, 50, of Hambledon Place in Bognor Regis, pleaded guilty via post to operating a licensable HMO without a valid license from October 23 2020 to 20 February 2022, a spokesperson from Arun District Council said. The case was heard at Crawley Magistrates Court on September 20, but he did not attend.
The case emerged after Arun District Council received a complaint in November 2021 about the number of people at an address in Bonham Road, Bognor Regis.
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Hide AdAn inspection revealed that eight people were living in the property, forming six separate households, who were all sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities. Inspectors concluded that the property was being operated as a licensable house in multiple occupation without a valid licence.
A council spokesperson said a number of fire hazards were also discovered, including an unprotected escape route and an insufficient fire alarm system and no fire doors.
Under the Housing Act 2004, a HMO must be licensed when it is rented to five or more people who form more than one household and when some or all tenants share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities and at least one tenant pays rent.
An Arun District Council spokesperson said Mr Chodak initially claimed that the occupants were one family and tried to force them to lie on a declaration, before attempting to illegally evict them.
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Hide AdAfter finally admitting to operating a HMO without a valid licence, Mr Chodak was fined £4,154 and made to pay a victim surcharge of £190. He was also made to repay the council’s costs in full, totalling £2,906.62.
Councillor David Edwards, chair of the environment committee at Arun District Council said: ““This is an important lesson for those who are operating HMOs without the licenses required. The health and safety of residents who live in HMOs is important and the laws are there to protect them and ensure they live in a safe environment and are not treated badly, like the residents were in this case. We will investigate all cases like this and take the appropriate action to ensure that this illegal and unsafe practice is stamped out.”