A private landlord has been prosecuted and fined over serious housing safety failures at a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Lincoln
It follows an investigation by the City of Lincoln Council’s Housing Standards and Enforcement Team after tenants reportedly raised concerns about conditions at the premises.
During a visit in January 2025, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) identified “immediate fire risks,” and further investigations by the council uncovered multiple hazards, including fire safety failures, electrical risks, damp, and disrepair. As reported by the council, an Emergency Prohibition Order was issued “due to the imminent risk of serious harm to occupants”.
Lincoln Magistrates’ Court heard that tenants had been living in conditions that “posed significant risks to their health and safety”.
Landlord Anita Sharma pleaded guilty to seven breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006. During the sentence hearing on 12 June 2026, Sharma was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in council costs. An £800 court surcharge was also included.
The council stated that a second individual acting on behalf of the landlord received a “simple caution”.
Commenting on the successful prosecution, Councillor Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council, said that the conditions identified at the HMO property presented “serious risks to the health and safety of the people living there”.
"Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure, and well-maintained home. This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting tenants and taking action against landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities,” Nannestad said.
“We welcome the court's decision and hope it sends a clear message that poor housing management and breaches of housing regulations will not be tolerated in Lincoln.
"Our Housing Standards and Enforcement Team will continue to investigate complaints and take robust enforcement action where necessary to improve housing standards across the city and protect residents."