A landlord who rented a house to six students that was only suitable for four people has been fined £3,000.

Medway Magistrates recently convicted George Partou of operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). He was also ordered to pay costs of £250 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Partou, who lives in Cyprus, had rented the four-storey property in Albany Terrace in Chatham to six students in September 2007.

Medway Council had repeatedly tried to contact Partou to confirm how many people were living in the property, but he did not respond. When contact was finally made the council was told that only four people were living at the property which meant the property did not need to be licensed.

Under the Housing Act 2004, anyone who either lets, or intends to buy, a three-storey property for letting to five or more people needs to apply for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence.

However, following a complaint from one of the tenant’s parents, it was alleged that six people were living at the property. This prompted an inspection by the council.

Inspectors also discovered there was an inadequate fire detection system in the property, which put the tenants’ lives at risk in the event of a fire. There were also not enough kitchen and bathroom facilities for the six students.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “The safety of tenants is of paramount importance to Medway Council. We have been working with landlords to ensure they know the law and tenants' rights.

“This was the first case of this sort that has been pursued by Medway Council and, while it was a good result. This sends a clear warning to landlords that we will not shrink from taking action against those who break the law.”