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Property companies have been slapped with huge fines after unlicensed houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) where massive amounts of waste had been left outside. Southend City Council has prosecuted two companies after "serious" safety breaches were found.

On July 16 this year, Westpoint Property Limited (the freeholder) and Griffin Residential Limited (now trading as Emoov) each pleaded guilty to nine offences, including failure to license an HMO and breaches of HMO management regulations.

The case was heard at Basildon Magistrates' Court on September 2. Westpoint Property Limited was ordered to pay a total of £14,282, while Griffin Residential Limited was fined £7,394. The amounts include fines and court costs.

The prosecution followed a council inspection in September 2023 at 115 York Road, Southend. Officers found the property operating as an unlicensed HMO with serious failings, including inadequate fire detection and firefighting equipment, poorly maintained communal areas, and a significant build-up of waste on the driveway.

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety and regulatory services, said: "Poorly managed and unlicensed HMOs are a real cause of concern in the city. These prosecutions send a clear message: we will take tough action against landlords and property companies who break the law and put residents at risk.

"The substantial fines imposed in this case demonstrate the seriousness of the offences and the Council's determination to protect tenants and uphold standards."