Two 'Houses in Multiple Occupation' under investigation

Two active investigations into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are ongoing, Wednesday’s Council meeting heard.

Operation Maverick, the multi-agency inspections of commercial and hot food establishments, has inspected 10 licenced and six non-licenced HMOs during this quarter and carried out seven raids. Two externally funded multi-agency operations have been undertaken in this time.

A further 17 establishments have been inspected this quarter, bringing the total to 139 premises since the operation commenced.

This has resulted in residential use of two properties being prohibited, several unauthorised HMOs being discovered, along with an illegal brothel.

The Private Rented Sector team has dealt with 62 repairs and complaints reported by private sector tenants and have also dealt with 14 attempted revenge evictions during this quarter, where landlords have attempted to gain possession of their property through illegal means.

In addition, research is underway to examine the possibility of introducing a pilot 'Selective Licencing' scheme. Selective licensing is a powerful tool for local authorities to control the behaviour of private landlords but its use is subject to considerable constraints. It is only available where certain conditions are met and where the local authority believes its introduction would reduce specific housing problems.