Gateshead landlord Jetsun Ltd has been fined more than £42,000 after operating an unsafe and unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Gateshead Council issued financial penalties totalling £42,300 following an investigation into a three-storey property in the Windmill Hills area occupied by seven people from six households. The penalties related to operating an unlicensed HMO and failing to manage the property safely.

The investigation identified a number of serious fire safety and management failings, including an inadequate fire alarm system, no emergency lighting, defective fire doors, obstructed escape routes, and bedroom and exit doors that could only be opened with a key from the inside. Officers also found a lack of safety checks, inspections and records, as well as a failure to provide information requested during the investigation.

The council established that the property had been operating as an HMO for a significant period without the required licence. Landlords of HMOs must comply with legal requirements designed to protect tenants, particularly in relation to fire safety and property management.

Following the enforcement action, Jetsun Ltd paid the penalty within 28 days and received a 15% discount in line with the council's enforcement policy. The funds will be reinvested into enforcement activity aimed at improving housing standards across Gateshead.

Samantha Allcott, strategic director of housing, environment and healthy communities at Gateshead Council, said: “Landlords have a legal duty to make sure the homes they rent out are safe and properly managed. In this case, the conditions found at the property were unacceptable and could have put tenants at serious risk, notably so in the event of a fire.”

Allcott added: “We work closely with landlords across Gateshead to help raise and maintain standards. Tenant safety will always come first and, that being so, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where standards fall below what’s required by law.”

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