A complex investigation in Nottingham supported by Barking and Dagenham Council has led to the successful prosecution of a landlord for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), following detailed financial enquiries.

Since September 2025, the Council’s Accredited Financial Investigator (AFI) has been assisting Nottingham City Council’s Safer Housing Team through the Traded Income Scheme. The case involved identifying the individual responsible for a property registered under a charity structure, which required extensive and sensitive investigation.

Following financial analysis, it was established that the person ultimately responsible was a serving Nottingham City Councillor. The individual was subsequently charged with failing to licence a HMO.

The Councillor failed to attend Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 6 May 2026 and was found guilty in their absence. The court imposed a fine of £7,500, a £2,000 victim surcharge and £1,037.50 in costs - totalling £10,537.50.

Further enquiries also identified that rental income from the property had been paid to a company linked to another Councillor. This aspect of the case has now been referred back to Nottingham City Council for further investigation.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This was a highly complex investigation, and I want to commend our officer for their professionalism and expertise in supporting partners to bring this case to court. 

“It also highlights the importance of partnership working, and we’re pleased to assist other authorities with their HMO cases.”