A record fine of more than half a million pounds has been issued after 17 people were found living in a property in Hatfield, breaching a House in Multiple Occupation licence.

Both a business and an individual, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were fined £275,000 each by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

A HMO was in place on the property that stated a maximum number of six occupants would be allowed to live at the property at any one time, but when the police searched the home they found 17 occupants.

Officers contacted the council’s Private Sector Housing Team and other partner agencies to pursue enforcement action on the manager and business, which were jointly held responsible for the breaches.

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"Everyone deserves to live in property that is safe and fit for purpose," said Cllr Lynn Chesterman, deputy leader of the council and executive member for housing.

"Our message to rogue landlords and agents is very clear: we will work tirelessly together with our partners to locate and punish unscrupulous landlords and managers who fail to keep tenants safe.

"We are grateful to the police, Trading Standards and Hertfordshire County Council for their invaluable support and cooperation in this case. This is a great example of how we can work together to achieve better outcomes for our communities."