A letting agent that is now a Hunters franchise pleaded guilty in relation to offences relating to a House in Multiple Occupation.

According to the local paper, a representative of County Rentals, trading as Valentines at the time, pleaded guilty on his company’s behalf for failing to implement satisfactory management standards following an inspection by officers from Wirral Council.

The company was ordered to pay a total of £5,161 for the offences.

The court was told that in May 2016 housing standards officers visited the property which was converted into seven bedsits and found defective fire doors, blocked fire escapes, exposed live electrical wiring, plus damp and mould growth.

The story quoted Wirral Council cabinet member for housing and community safety Cllr George Davies, who said: “This is an example of how we will take the strongest possible action against those managing agents who have little or no regard for the safety and wellbeing of their tenants.”

Yesterday evening, a spokesperson from Hunters Property Group said: “We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. The property in question was listed with the business before it joined the Hunters franchise.

“Upon joining our network all our franchise partners and staff are offered full training and support to ensure they understand the stringent standards that Hunters adheres too.

“We have spoken to the franchise partner in question and understand that the property is no longer listed with them.”

http://wirralview.com/news/agency-pleads-guilty-letting-sub-standard-accommodation