A Hull landlord has been fined almost £3,000 after at least seven people were found living in a two-bedroom flat.
Saleem Hakim was charged £2,825 in council costs, fine and a victim surcharge for failure to reduce occupancy levels at a flat in Albany Street, Hull.
Mr Hakim was convicted two offences of failing to comply with a suspended prohibition order in his absence at Hull Magistrates’ Court in January after the prosecution brought by Hull City Council.
Council staff found at least seven people living in a two-bedroom flat when they first visited the property in August 2017.
They issued a suspended prohibition order, giving Mr Hakeem time to comply with the regulations. After two more visits revealed the flat was still overcrowded, the council took enforcement action.
Councillor John Black, the council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “Anybody taking on the role of landlord needs to be fully aware of their responsibilities under the law. The council has a duty to protect private sector tenants in poorly maintained properties and this proves that we take our role seriously.
“We tried to work with the landlord to reach a satisfactory conclusion, but the actions required to make the property safe remained uncompleted. I hope this prosecution will send out a message to landlords that they need to act within the law or face the consequences.”
