Mecca Properties, based in Manchester, has failed to overturn a £21,499 fine following an appeal – the first-tier Residential Property Tribunal upheld Manchester City Council’s decision to impose the penalty.

The lettings and management company were issued with the fine after one of its properties was found to have multiple fire safety breaches.

Following an investigation by Manchester City Council, Mecca Properties, based on Dickenson Road in Longsight, was found to be guilty of “systematic failings” at a recent tribunal.

The HMO, which is also on Dickenson Road, was found to have no smoke alarms on the first inspection, and Mecca Properties also failed to provide a gas safety certificate when requested.

Deficiencies were also found in the electrical installation at the HMO, while parts of the property were also found to be dirty and in disrepair, with tiles missing in the bathroom, damaged hallway floors, and a broken window covered with a ‘To Let’ sign.

Following the outcome of the tribunal, Cllr Rabnwaz Akbar, executive member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, said: “The private rented sector is one of the fastest growing in the city and our residents need decent properties that they can trust, with landlords that take their responsibilities to their tenants seriously.

“We know that the vast majority of landlords and managing agents are very good, but for those that are not, I hope that this sort of action serves as a real warning.

“This management agent showed systematic failings and is now thousands of pounds out of pocket. This level of fine shows that we are looking for you and we will use the full extent of the law to bring you to account.”