Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Bristol Landlord Ordered to Repay £24,592 for Unlicensed HMO Failings

A Bristol landlord has been ordered to repay £24,592 to four former tenants after a tribunal found he operated an unlicensed HMO and failed to address multiple property issues. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) made the Rent Repayment Order against Nadeem Ahmed following an application by former tenants of a property in Brislington Hill, Bristol.

The tribunal found that the property was operating as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), with Bristol City Council confirming that a licence application was not submitted until April 2025. The tribunal described the case as “at the higher end of the spectrum” due to “serious failings with fire safety and the condition of the Property.”

Evidence presented included mould in the kitchen and three bedrooms, water ingress into the kitchen, and two separate rat infestations during the tenants’ occupation. Although an exterminator was sent to address the vermin, no repairs were made to prevent the rats from returning. The tribunal also found that Ahmed had been slow to deal with an electrical malfunction and had failed to address ongoing mould and water ingress issues throughout the tenancy.

Additionally, there was no evidence that gas safety, electrical safety, or energy performance certificates had been provided to the tenants. The tribunal also heard that deposits had not been properly returned.

Judge Simon Allison found that Ahmed had been involved in managing the property but that his conduct had “fallen short of a reasonable standard.” The tribunal awarded the tenants 80% of the rent paid during the relevant period, amounting to £24,592, along with £341 in tribunal fees.

This case highlights the importance for letting agents and inventory clerks to ensure that all necessary HMO licences and safety certificates are in place and that property conditions are properly maintained.