To say that we are ending this month in a very different place to how we started it, still feels like quite an understatement. The Covid-19 outbreak has left the entire world drifting into uncharted waters and is having a huge impact on all of our lives. As we adjust to this new normal of social distancing, home working and self-isolation, it’s very important that people, business and communities alike come together and provide support to those who most need it. It’s also important to recognise that while many of us are lucky enough to withstand this pandemic in safe and comfortable housing, many others aren’t as fortunate. The stories below indicate some of the most alarming examples of mismanaged, unlicensed rental properties and rogue landlords putting their tenants’ safety at risk.
At Kamma, we understand that property licensing is complex, inconsistent and ever changing. Our technology and software cuts through that complexity to keep you on top of all the changes with clear and accurate advice. We analyse and sort data to help agents, landlords and surveyors understand the impact of Property Licensing and Planning Permission on their properties and assets. By leveraging technology and data, we want to ensure that no tenant has to live in substandard or unsafe accommodation again.
Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.
March’s Top Three Unlicensed Properties and Rogue Landlords:
Bristol landlord fined £87k for renting out shockingly unsafe HMO
A Bristol landlord has been found guilty of renting out poor quality accommodation that posed a serious risk to life. Mr. Sashdeva was found guilty of offences under the Housing Act 2004 and Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation 2007. He was renting out accommodation that posed ‘a serious risk to life’ at his Premier shop premises in Avonmouth.
Council officers noted that the property’s two separate living spaces housed nine people, including two children and a pregnant woman, some of whom slept in cupboards in the eaves of the roof. As a result of this, councillor Paul Smith stated, “these were some of the worst conditions Environmental Health officers working in this field have seen”.
Landlord who let his 10 tenants live in poor conditions has been fined nearly £30k
Mr Khaliq, who failed to license the shared house, let his property to up to 10 tenants despite it being unclean and in a poor state of repair. Furthermore, it was discovered that the HMO did not have adequate fire safety arrangements and there was not a single working smoke detector in the property.
Letting the property, located in Watford, meant that Mr Khaliq was in breach of regulations under the Housing Act 2004. As a result he was issued a fine of £17,000, a victim surcharge of £181 and was ordered to pay £10,488.62 to the council.
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, commented: “many landlords provide high quality standards for local residents. However, this successful prosecution has shown that we will take action against rogue landlords who do not respect their tenants”.
Rogue landlord who was jailed last year for falsifying documents has been handed a £55k fine
Finally, Ilford landlord, Mr Mahajan, was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail in February of last year for falsifying documents in an attempt to prevent enforcement action taken by the council relating to his managing of HMOs.
In a bid to claim immunity from enforcement action, Mr Mahajan, falsified documents purporting that his had been in use as a HMO for more than 10 years – including several tenancy agreements, a letter from an estate agent and a sworn affidavit. However, these documents were found to be false.
Consequently the rogue landlord was ordered to pay Barking and Dagenham Council £30,000 as well as a contribution towards the prosecution costs of £25,000, to be paid within nine months.
Councillor Margaret Mullane commented on the result: “I hope this serves as a stark warning to disreputable landlords that we will continue to come after them for their money even if they have been previously prosecuted”.
Total top 3 story fines reported in trade press this month: £172k
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