South Holland District Council has recently had an appeal against a financial penalty issued for Housing Act offences upheld by the first tier tribunal.

Arabella Fox-Garrett of King George V Avenue, Holbeach was issued with a financial penalty for failure to apply to licence her House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) despite numerous requests to do so. 

South Holland District Council had written to Mrs Fox-Garrett in November 2018 stating she required a HMO licence for the property. When there was no response, the Council issues a Final Notice on 14^th June 2019 stating it would consider prosecution. 

Mrs Fox-Garrett confirmed that there were 5 other people, plus herself, living at the property but later advised that two of the tenants would be vacating the property and consequently a licence would not be necessary. However a visit by two Enforcement Officers found there to be 7 occupants and subsequently the Council served Mrs Fox-Garrett with a financial penalty notice.

The tribunal confirmed the penalty of £11,000 with instructions that it should be paid within a month.

The council can confirm that the amount has been recovered to fund the continued raising of standards in private sector housing.