We continue to see an upward trend in the number of licensing schemes introduced this year. So far there have been seven new schemes introduced, including two that have come into force this April. In the last month, we have also seen several local record fines for landlords that have failed to comply with HMO licensing and minimum safety standards. This is an indication of the continued push by local councils to prioritise the enforcement of new licensing schemes in the private rented sector.
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. We leverage technology and data to help agents and landlords stay on top of new property licensing schemes and avoid licensing fines.
Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.
April’s Top Rogue Landlords:
Landlord and property company found guilty of several safety-related failures and is faced with fines over £90,000
Faraz Bucha and Captain Solutions were both found guilty of 27 charges in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, resulting in record fines for the borough. The court concluded that fire regulations had been wilfully and negligently ignored, putting the safety of the tenants at considerable risk in two properties.
Both properties lacked adequate fire alarms, lighting and fire door provision. One of the properties was also found to be in poor condition, and both parties failed to carry out necessary improvements as instructed by the council, forcing the council to launch formal proceedings.
As a result of the developments in the case, the council urges local landlords to come forward and work together with the local council to resolve any similar issues.
£10,000 fine for property company Kylid Property Limited and its director Ali Reza Mirzaie
Following a fire outbreak in a shared flat in Barnet, six tenants were left without a home. The tenants luckily managed to escape without injury and council representatives assisted in finding emergency accommodation for the tenants.
Barnet council staff were called to the scene and discovered that the HMO property was unlicensed and identified several breaches of the minimum safety standards for HMOs.
Keylid Property Limited and director Ali Reza Mirzaie plead guilty for failing to provide a license and for not meeting standards of management for the house.
Landlord hit with record fine of £48,000 in Buckinghamshire
After multiple council visits, regular inspections, warnings and legal notices, the Buckinghamshire council decided to take legal action against Taraq Javed. He was hit with a record high bill of £48,000 for the council which brought forward the prosecution.
Javad was found to not comply with local HMO regulations for his property. The offences include inadequate fire detection units, lack of lighting and obstructed fire escapes. He also failed to provide legal documents including tenancy agreements and gas safety certificates and to fulfil legal requests from the council.
Landlord forced to hand over management of 18 properties after pleading guilty to maintenance and safety failure at 3 properties
Naomi Knapp was handed a fine of almost £30,000 by the Bristol court after admittingly failing to meet standards in 3 different HMOs. The tenants in one of the HMOs raised numerous complaints to the landlord and the council and after several visits to the properties, the council confirmed that all three of them were in poor condition. They also agreed that all properties showed a severe lack of management standard from the landlord.
The properties lacked a fire escape, adequate maintenance and the council discovered a long list of HMO regulation breachers in all properties. Following the complaints and the court hearing, Knapp decided to hand over 18 properties to an independent agent to manage the HMO licenses.
Contact us or book a demo now to understand how Kamma can solve property licensing for you.
