A landlord and agent who have been operating a licensable HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) in Hawarden, Deeside, without an HMO Licence and breaking other housing laws have been fined £28,000 in a prosecution brought by Flintshire County Council.

The private sector housing team carried out an inspection at the property in January 2022 which confirmed the house was being operated as a licensable HMO with 5 occupiers.

At a court hearing recently, Jayne McGuinness and Richard Collins of RVC Estates Limited were found guilty of 16 housing offences. They did not attend the court hearing and were fined £28,000 with an additional £1,640 in costs.

Flintshire’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said:

“This successful prosecution sends a clear message that the Council will protect its residents from rogue landlords who operate unlicensed HMOs and do not comply with the Rent Smart Wales laws designed to protect tenants. It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed.”