Unlicensed HMO landlord told to repay rent
A case in Chester last week should strike fear into the hearts of landlords everywhere – a landlord renting out an unlicensed HMO has been told to repay more than £10,000 in housing benefit.
Jonathan Shingfield, 29, appeared in front of a residential property tribunal which fined him nearly £10,000 for endangering the lives of tenants and also ordered him to repay the rent he received.
The ruling said that he must repay £5,251.84 of housing benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council
He received the money for three tenants who occupied bedsits in a converted
three-storey Victorian property in Louise Street, Garden Quarter, which he was letting without a licence.
three-storey Victorian property in Louise Street, Garden Quarter, which he was letting without a licence.
Shingfield runs Manchester-based Shingfield Estates and was found guilty in October 2013 of nine offences under housing legislation, including illegal eviction, and was fined £9,590.
Alison Amesbury, the council’s interim head of housing strategy, said: “This is the first time that Cheshire West and Chester Council has taken formal action for these types of offences.
“We are delighted at the tribunal decision. It sends out a strong message that rogue landlords who put their tenants at risk will not be tolerated in West Cheshire.”
According to Chester First, the council’s private sector housing team brought the case against Shingfield after being contacted by a tenant from the Louise Street property. The man reported that his landlord had removed his bedsit door and glazing to his window in an attempt to force him to leave.
According to Chester First, the council’s private sector housing team brought the case against Shingfield after being contacted by a tenant from the Louise Street property. The man reported that his landlord had removed his bedsit door and glazing to his window in an attempt to force him to leave.
On inspection the property was found to be poorly managed and maintained with serious issues relating to fire safety, particularly with staircases and windows. It was also found to be running as an HMO – but not licensed.
Evidence from the court case was put before the Property Chamber Northern Residential Property First Tier tribunal on 27 May and the council was informed of its decision last week.
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