Data From MOOT Assists Council In £58,000 Criminal HMO Prosecution

A landlord and property company have been fined over £58,000 after an unlicensed and unsafe House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Barnston, Essex, was uncovered with critical supporting evidence provided by data from Occupid.com, the property intelligence service developed by Marks Out Of Tenancy.

Uttlesford District Council’s inspection of the former Skyline Hotel in June 2024 revealed serious safety failings, including the absence of fire alarms, emergency lighting, and safe escape routes. Despite an emergency prohibition order being served, tenants continued living in the building for several months. 

At Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 4 November 2025, Dawn Hennessey pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed HMO, and Wheatsheaf Mews Development Ltd admitted breaching the emergency prohibition order. Fines and costs following the criminal prosecution totalled £58,000.

Marks Out Of Tenancy played a key role in supporting the investigation through its OccupID data service. The tool confirmed that the property was being actively used as an unlicensed HMO, cross-referencing occupancy data to provide a clear pattern of multiple residents. The OccupID team was also able to supply names of individuals registered as tenants at the address, supporting the council’s enforcement officers in verifying ongoing occupation after the prohibition order was issued. 

This data-backed evidence strengthened the case brought by Uttlesford District Council and helped secure successful criminal convictions against both the operator and the property owner.

Ben Yarrow, founder of Marks Out Of Tenancy, said: “This case shows how data transparency can make housing safer. Using OccupID, we were able to supply the council with independent, verifiable evidence that confirmed ongoing, unlawful occupation.”

At Marks Out Of Tenancy, we believe data should work for communities — not against them. OccupID empowers local authorities to identify unlicensed HMOs, support enforcement, and improve housing standards with accurate, actionable insights.

Find out how OccupID can help your council protect tenants and uphold standards.