A Nottingham landlord has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 in fines and costs after failing to properly license a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). Faith Gakanje-Ajala was prosecuted by Nottingham City Council’s Safer Housing Team following a breach of the city’s mandatory Additional Licensing Scheme, which requires landlords of certain shared properties to meet specific safety and management standards.
The case, heard at the local Magistrates’ Court, resulted in a conviction in the defendant’s absence. After reviewing evidence presented by the council regarding the unlicensed property, the District Judge ruled that the offence was proven and cited several aggravating factors. The total financial penalty of £11,537.50 includes a £7,500 fine, a £3,000 victim surcharge, and the council’s legal costs of £1,037.50.
Financial penalties for unlicensed HMO management
The prosecution of Faith Gakanje-Ajala marks a significant victory for the city’s enforcement teams. The Safer Housing Team identified that the property was operating as an HMO without the required authorization under the citywide Additional Licensing Scheme. This scheme is designed to ensure that houses shared by three or more people from different households are safe, well-managed, and do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood.
Legal experts note that such substantial fines are becoming more frequent as local authorities leverage updated powers to combat substandard living conditions. This case follows similar enforcement actions elsewhere in the UK, such as a recent Wembley landlord prosecution where overcrowding led to significant penalties and a multi-year ban. In Nottingham, the focus remains on ensuring that every private rental property meets the minimum legal threshold for tenant safety.
Enforcement of the Additional Licensing Scheme
Nottingham’s licensing requirements are part of a broader strategy to regulate the private rented sector, with housing gains also linked to stronger oversight of rented homes. The Additional Licensing Scheme specifically targets properties that fall outside the national mandatory licensing criteria but still house multiple occupants. By requiring a license, the council can verify that the landlord is a ‘fit and proper’ person and that the property includes essential safety features, such as adequate fire alarms, emergency lighting, and sufficient bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Failure to comply with these regulations is treated as a criminal offence. The council has stated that the outcome of this case reinforces its commitment to proactive inspections. The Safer Housing Team conducts regular checks across the city to identify unlicensed HMOs and address reports of poor property management. Landlords who operate without a license face not only criminal prosecution and unlimited fines but also the possibility of Rent Repayment Orders, where tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent.
Council strategy for tenant protection in Nottingham
The prosecution serves as a warning to other providers in the local rental market. Nottingham City Council has emphasized that it will continue to tackle landlords who disregard their legal obligations. The impact of unlicensed and poorly managed housing often falls most heavily on vulnerable renters, who may be hesitant to report issues for fear of retaliatory eviction.
By securing high-profile convictions and financial penalties, the council aims to level the playing field for the majority of landlords who do comply with the law. The Safer Housing Team’s work is focused on upholding housing standards across all wards, ensuring that the city’s growth in the rental sector does not come at the expense of tenant welfare or community cohesion.
Reporting housing standard violations
Residents and tenants in Nottingham are encouraged to play an active role in monitoring housing conditions. The Safer Housing Team relies on local intelligence to identify properties that may be operating illegally or failing to provide safe environments. Renters who have concerns about the safety, maintenance, or licensing status of their accommodation can contact the council directly for an investigation.
Guidance is available for both tenants and landlords regarding the specific requirements of the Additional Licensing Scheme and the mandatory HMO licensing rules. The council provides an online portal where the public can check if a property is currently licensed, offering transparency for those seeking new accommodation in the city.
Source: Nottingham City Council
Source check Housing Enforcement Record
This report is based on official prosecution data released by the Nottingham City Council Safer Housing Team.
- Verified court sentencing figures and defendant identity
- Confirmed local HMO licensing scheme requirements for 2026
- Cross-referenced council enforcement procedures
- Source
- My Nottingham News
- Scope
- Nottingham
- Updated
- 2026-05-27 19:46
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Article contextPeople & topics1#7
What do you think about this article?
Reader Ideas Newsroom
Have a sharper angle for this topic? Add it to the community idea board and let readers vote it up for editorial review.
/linkComments
8+ useful words can earn +10-60 DP; shorter replies can still publish without DP.