Derby Landlords Penalized over £10,000 for Violating Housing Regulations – TNT

Two landlords in Derby have been fined more than £10,000 in total for breaching housing regulations, following investigations by the city council’s housing standards team.

Kevin Adrian Sutton, 57, was fined £6,000 after failing to renew a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Milton Street, despite receiving three reminders. 

A council inspection found five unrelated students living at the property, meaning it met the legal definition of an HMO and required a licence under the Housing Act 2004. 

Sutton pleaded guilty at South Derbyshire Magistrates Court and was also ordered to pay the council’s prosecution costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

In a separate case, Ramzan Ali, 31, was fined £2,000 for failing to produce tenancy agreements and a Gas Safety Certificate for a property on Eton Road, following safety concerns raised by tenants. 

A survey by the council found nine hazards at the property. Ali was found guilty in his absence and was ordered to pay prosecution costs and an £800 victim surcharge.

Commenting on the cases, Councillor Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing, strategic planning and regulatory services, said: “Our housing standards team works tirelessly to improve living standards for private renters in Derby, with their safety and wellbeing being a top priority.”