Landlord launches bid to overturn HMO licence ban

A MILLIONAIRE landlord who was deemed unfit to hold House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences is suing the council to overturn the ban.

Mark Fortune, 41, was refused the HMO licence amid allegations that he verbally abused and threatened city council officials and tenants.

The company director was denied the licence by the council’s regulatory committee in August 2009, on the grounds that he was not a “fit and proper person”.

A council report claimed Mr Fortune “has consistently acted in an aggressive, abusive and threatening manner not only in his dealings with council officers, but with tenants of his properties and residents and managing agents of properties neighbouring his”.

A council spokeswoman said: “Mr Fortune is appealing against the council’s refusal to grant HMO licences. It would not be appropriate to comment further on this case while it is part of a legal process.”