Living conditions for tenants in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Grays have been substantially improved through work undertaken by Thurrock Council.

Recent works to the property in William Street have ensured a safe environment is now provided for the residents, including new windows, fire doors and fire detection system.

The council first identified 6 Category One hazards and 5 Category Two hazards at the property in August 2019, giving the landlord 21 days to put the dangers right. Hazards included: rising damp to the entire ground floor insecure doors poor lighting disrepair to the kitchen and bathroom Despite improvement notices being served, the landlord failed to act and no changes were made to the property between October 2019 and February 2020. Council officers issued a Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) of £6,077 for failure to comply, and a further CPN totalling £3,087 for failure to licence a HMO. Works to the property commenced after both fines were served.

Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet member for housing, said: "We will take all necessary action to ensure our residents have a safe place to live in. Landlords and letting agents must ensure any properties they rent out fit these requirements and are licensed, where appropriate. Failure to do so is an offence which can result in prosecution or a fine of up to £30,000.

"Please contact our Private Housing teams if you need help to resolve an issue concerning a HMO. We will consider any requests for more time to comply with coronavirus restrictions."

Report concerns about a HMO at thurrock.gov.uk/hmo