A Basingstoke landlord who failed to meet licensing and safety regulations due to poor housing conditions has been ordered to pay £7,738 by the courts.

Mark Gibson, who was the manager and person in control of his house in multiple occupation in Watertower Way in Rooksdown, was prosecuted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for three offences committed in February this year.

During a hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 24, Mr Gibson was found guilty of failing to hold a licence for a licensable house in multiple occupation.

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He was also prosecuted for two charges under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

The first of these related to inadequate fire safety as officers found the means of escape obstructed combined with insufficient smoke detectors and no self-closing fire doors in place.

He was also charged for failing to supply and maintain gas and electricity as tenants were unable to control their gas central heating.

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Mr Gibson was fined £5,152, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,061 and prosecution costs of £525.

Cabinet member for residents’ services and housing, Cllr Laura James said: “Ensuring our residents live in safe, well-maintained homes is a priority for us. A house of multiple occupancy must be licensed if it’s occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households and sharing facilities.

“Our aim is ensure that all properties that are home to different households are maintained to good standards. We take this very seriously and where there is evidence that this is not being met we will take action, including prosecution, to protect our residents.” 

More information on houses in multiple occupancy, including how to report one or to view the current licensed ones in the borough, is on the website at basingstoke.gov.uk/houses-in-multiple-occupancy