An agent has been fined £3,000 after admitting three offences relating to a House in Multiple Occupation. It was also ordered to pay £1,496 in costs plus a £120 victim surcharge.
Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court, which heard how the building had two businesses on the ground floor, and a single tenant on the first floor.
When Miller Metcalfe took over the management of the second and third residential floors, this formed a second flat which was let to three more tenants.
This meant the property was reclassified as an HMO.
However, Bolton Council officers found that it did not have the fire safety measures required in an HMO. There was no fire-protected escape route, or interlinked fire alarm.
The council served an emergency prohibition order requiring the upper floor not to be used as residential accommodation. The tenants were found alternative accommodation.
In court Miller Metcalfe admitted it had not taken all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their tenants.
By ROSALIND RENSHAW
Source: Property Industry Eye