A NEWPORT landlord has been prosecuted for failing to licence her property and manage it safely, making it difficult to escape in case of a fire.

Kaneeza Abid, of Alexandra Road, pleaded guilty by letter to failing to license a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Alma Street under the Housing Act and was fined £10,000.

She also admitted 10 offences of failing to comply with the 2006 Management Regulations and was fined £1,000 on each offence.

Newport City Council brought the prosecution.

Abid, of Alexandra Road, was ordered to pay council costs of £1,229 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Newport City Council is obliged to license HMOs (any house with three or more tenants who are not a family) and enforce the management regulations to ensure HMOs are provided with the correct facilities and that they are maintained to provide safe homes.

Environmental health officers inspected the property on 22 January 22 2015 and found that it needed a licence and that fire escapes were not clear of obstructions and had poor lighting.

This put tenants at risk of severe injury or death had a fire occurred in the property.

Councillor Bob Poole, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regulatory functions said: “HMOs are licensed and regulated for a reason. This is about safety.

“Tenants are entitled to live in accommodation that is safe.

"Landlords have that responsibility and the council will not hesitate to take action against those who put tenants at risk.”

In autumn 2015, a new law came into place meaning people who rent out accommodation will have to register and obtain a licence from Rent Smart Wales.

Newport City Council is a partner in the Landlord Accreditation Wales (Law) scheme, a skills-based scheme for landlords and agents who can be accredited and recognised as good landlords.

The aim of the scheme is to make landlords and agents aware of their rights and responsibilities when letting.