A Manchester-based lettings and management company has been fined more than £21,000 after one of its properties was found to have multiple fire safety breaches.
After the issuing of a civil penalty notice in August 2020 due to the house of multiple occupation (HMO) having breached regulations, and following an investigation by Manchester City Council, Mecca Properties M/CR – which is based on Dickenson Road in Longsight – was found to be guilty of “systematic failings” at a recent tribunal.
The HMO, which is also on Dickenson Road, was found to have no smoke alarms on the first inspection, and Mecca also failed to provide a gas safety certificate when requested.
Deficiencies were also found in the electrical installation at the HMO.
Parts of the property were also found to be dirty and in disrepair, with tiles missing in the bathroom, damaged hallway floors, and a broken window covered with a ‘To Let’ sign.
Mecca Properties tried to appeal the fine through the first-tier Residential Property Tribunal, but this only upheld Manchester City Council’s decision to impose the penalty.
The tribunal also found that the breaches were significant enough to warrant a £21,499 fine.
Manchester City Council said it tried to engage the company on several occasions and offered to help them address the breaches, such as fitting temporary fire alarms – but the director of Mecca Properties M/CRA declined to comment on the council investigation or the outcome of the tribunal.
The tribunal found the breaches were significant enough to warrant a £21,499 fine / Credit: Manchester City Council
Speaking on the outcome of the tribunal, Councillor Rabnwaz Akbar – Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council – said: “The private rented sector is one of the fastest growing in the city and our residents need decent properties that they can trust, with landlords that take their responsibilities to their tenants seriously.
“We know that the vast majority of landlords and managing agents are very good, but for those that are not, I hope that this sort of action serves as a real warning.
“This management agent showed systematic failings and is now thousands of pounds out of pocket [but] this level of fine shows that we are looking for you and we will use the full extent of the law to bring you to account.
“If you or someone you know is concerned with the way your property is being managed, please get in touch.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
The Manc -
7th June 2021 
