Recently, three tenants in the UK have been awarded a total of £20,000 in compensation after their landlord failed to license their property. This is a reminder of the importance of landlords ensuring that they have the necessary licenses and permissions in place before renting out a property.
The three tenants, who lived in a three-bedroom house in the East Midlands, were awarded the compensation after their landlord failed to obtain a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) license. An HMO license is required for any property that is rented out to three or more people who are not from the same household.
The tenants had been living in the property for two years before they discovered that their landlord had failed to obtain an HMO license. They took legal action against their landlord and were awarded £20,000 in compensation.
This case serves as an important reminder for landlords that they must ensure that they have all the necessary licenses and permissions in place before renting out a property. Without the correct licenses, landlords can face hefty fines and even criminal prosecution.
In addition to obtaining an HMO license, landlords should also ensure that they are compliant with all other relevant regulations, such as fire safety regulations and energy efficiency regulations. Landlords should also make sure that they are up-to-date with any changes to legislation that may affect them.
It is also important for tenants to be aware of their rights and to know what to do if they suspect that their landlord has failed to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions. Tenants should also make sure that they are familiar with their tenancy agreement and any other relevant documents.
In summary, the case of the three tenants who were awarded £20,000 in compensation serves as an important reminder for both landlords and tenants of the importance of ensuring that all necessary licenses and permissions are in place before renting out a property.