Two property companies have been fined £21,000 for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that was found to have serious safety breaches
During a council inspection in September 2023, officers visited the premises at 115 York Road, Southend-on-Sea, where they identified multiple serious failings, including inadequate fire detection and firefighting equipment, poorly maintained communal areas, and a significant accumulation of waste on the premises' driveway.
The safety failings led to Southend-on-Sea City Council bringing a case against two property companies, Westpoint Property Limited (the freeholder) and Griffin Residential Limited (now trading as Emoov).
As reported by the council, both companies pleaded guilty to nine offences on 16 July 2025, including “failure to licence an HMO and breaches of HMO management regulations”.
During sentencing at Basildon Magistrates Court on 2 September 2025, Westpoint Property Limited was ordered to pay fines and court costs totalling £14,282, while Griffin Residential Limited was ordered to pay a total of £7,394.
Commenting on the successful prosecution, Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member 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."