London Borough of Camden is forced to discontinue its prosecution at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of Lifestyle Club Ltd and its director.
Lewis Nedas Law represented this company and its director in a prosecution brought by London Borough of Camden for not having an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licence as well as associated offences under the Housing Act 2004. This case concerned two properties and from the outset, it was not accepted that the council had provided sufficient evidence of multiple occupations that meant an HMO licence was required. It soon transpired that the tenants on whom Camden intended to rely were either unwilling or unable to attend court. A belated hearsay application from Camden was fiercely opposed, being both out of time and predicated on unsubstantiated information.
After this, the local authority dropped its prosecution and by defending the case our client not only preserved their reputation but also avoided the substantial fines which are inevitably imposed for not having an HMO licence. This case was carefully and diligently prepared by Tony Meisels of this firm assisted by Jeremy Lynn of 15 New Bridge Street chambers. All landlords should now be aware that as of 1st October 2018 the definition of an HMO changed and became even more stringent – it now applies to any property occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households.
We have been successfully representing landlords facing HMO prosecutions brought by local authorities all over the country, for many years. If you require such assistance, please call 02073872032 or use our online contact form.
Lewis Nedas Law represented this company and its director in a prosecution brought by London Borough of Camden for not having an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licence as well as associated offences under the Housing Act 2004. This case concerned two properties and from the outset, it was not accepted that the council had provided sufficient evidence of multiple occupations that meant an HMO licence was required. It soon transpired that the tenants on whom Camden intended to rely were either unwilling or unable to attend court. A belated hearsay application from Camden was fiercely opposed, being both out of time and predicated on unsubstantiated information.
After this, the local authority dropped its prosecution and by defending the case our client not only preserved their reputation but also avoided the substantial fines which are inevitably imposed for not having an HMO licence. This case was carefully and diligently prepared by Tony Meisels of this firm assisted by Jeremy Lynn of 15 New Bridge Street chambers. All landlords should now be aware that as of 1st October 2018 the definition of an HMO changed and became even more stringent – it now applies to any property occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households.
We have been successfully representing landlords facing HMO prosecutions brought by local authorities all over the country, for many years. If you require such assistance, please call 02073872032 or use our online contact form.