A landlord in England who was fined £31,499 by the local council for HMO breaches took the decision to tribunal. He admitted the breaches but challenged the fine as excessive and unreasonable. There is a lot of bad press about councils in England handing out extreme fines as they get to keep the money for themselves. The tribunal agreed and reduced the fine to £3,300. This may now send a message to other councils. Case: Tan Sandhu v Coventry City Council.