15 suspected ‘Houses of Multiple Occupation’ investigated in the last quarter

15 suspected Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been under investigation this quarter, Wednesday’s Council meeting heard (11 October).

Operation Maverick, the multi-agency inspections of commercial and hot food establishments, has also carried out seven raids this quarter. Two externally funded multi-agency operations have been undertaken in this time.

The team has inspected a further 17 establishments this quarter, bringing the total to 156 premises since the operation commenced. A further 25 premises have been accessed by the Partnership Enforcement Team during daily activity.

This has resulted in: three Emergency Prohibition Orders being served, six Emergency Remedial Actions being undertaken, seven HHSRS property inspections (Housing health and safety rating system) required, and seven antisocial behaviour/Nuisance warnings issued to tenants.

In addition, the visits yielded caches of illicit cigarettes and tobacco, illegal drugs, a cannabis farm and two offenders being sought by the police. Three unauthorised traveller encampments have been subjected to Trading Standards enforcement investigation.

During this quarter, the Private Rented Sector team has dealt with 42 repairs and complaints reported by private sector tenants and dealt with 15 attempted revenge evictions, where landlords have attempted to gain possession of their property through illegal means.