A Sefton landlord is facing a fine approaching £7,000 for failing to license a rented property in Bootle.

Successful prosecution

‘Prosquare Limited’ pleaded guilty to the offence of operating a rented property without the required licence after a successful prosecution by Sefton Council.

The company received a fine of £6,000, reduced to £4,000 in the light of its guilty plea. A £1,600 victim surcharge and £1,000 costs bring the total to £6,600.

Safe and secure homes

Cllr Phil Hart, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said: “Selective and Additional HMO Licensing schemes help the Council improve the management of privately rented properties and make sure tenants have safe and secure homes.

“This successful prosecution shows that landlords who fail to meet their responsibilities can face serious financial consequences.”

Council can step in

Approaching 4,000 private rented properties across the Borough are covered by Selective and Additional (HMO) Licensing schemes. Licensing means Sefton Council can step in to deal with problems faced by tenants, or poor management.

Thousands of serious issues, including problems with fire safety, electrical hazards, damp & mould and excess cold have been solved since the Council introduced Licensing.

We will take action

Cllr Hart added: “Once again, this case shows that while we prefer to work with them to resolve any issues and ensure the required standards are met, we will take action to either prosecute landlords or serve them with Civil Penalty fines if they do not follow the basic requirements.”

You can find out more about Sefton Council's Selective and Additional (HMO) Licensing schemes here.