Landlords fined for not having licence

Burnley Magistrates’ Court was told that Christopher James Davies and Natalie Davies owned the house in Carter Street and had rented it out since December 2015.

The house is in Gannow, a selective licensing area where rented properties must be licensed by Burnley Council. Selective licensing has been introduced into certain areas by the council to help improve the management of private rented properties and improve the surrounding area.

The court heard that a selective licensing pack and covering letter was sent by to the Davies by the council in April 2016 and a further reminder a month later. In June council officers visited the property and spoke to the tenant who confirmed she had lived at the property since December 2015 and that the Davies were the landlords.

No valid application for a licence was received by the council.

Christopher Davies admitted managing a house without a licence and was fined £290 and ordered to pay £258.96 and a £30 victim surcharge. Natalie Davies, who faced the same charge, failed to attend court and the case was proved in her absence. She was fined £440 and ordered to pay £258.96 costs and a £44 victim surcharge.

Clare Jackson, the council’s private sector housing manager, said: “The council works with private landlords in selective licensing areas to ensure that properties are properly licensed and meet the required standards. Unfortunately, in these cases, the people responsible for this property didn’t ensure it was properly licensed.”