Kamma Rogue Landlord Roundup: January 2022

As we look ahead into the new year we believe we are in for an exciting one. It appears the world is finally recovering from Covid, and so is the rental market. But with so much in the legislative pipeline concerning MEES regulations and new local licensing requirements, letting agents and landlordsare still at risk for fines of non-compliance – that is if they do not have a risk management strategy, or software in place!

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.

January’s Top Rogue Landlord stories

Landlord in Barking fined over £60,000 for illegally converting an HMO

Rogue landlord fined over £64,000 for illegally converting an HMO and then ignoring a planning enforcement notice. In addition to his £15,000 fine and costs of over £12,000, the landlord was faced with a £37,000 Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act – representing the criminal benefit made from renting the property out.

The Court found that the sentence fairly reflects his disregard of the enforcement notice for the property, and that he had bought the property as a vehicle to generate income and subsequently illegally converted it into an HMO.

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Landlord and property investor found guilty of a string of HMO housing offences

​​A landlord and property investor has admitted a string of housing offences relating to his Newport HMO after previously denying the charges. The landlord was charged with three offences over the management of a property in Newport last October and have since pleaded not guilty to all of them – up until now.

He was found guilty of operating an HMO without the correct licence and was charged with failure to comply with a housing notice and to produce the necessary documents. The third charge was failing to ensure that firefighting equipment and fire alarms were in good working order.

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Leeds landlord fined again! Rogue landlord is fined yet again for failing to comply with a housing health and safety improvement notice

A rogue landlord in Leeds who has already been fined on numerous occasions for similar offences has now been served with a £5,000 fine plus an additional £9,000 in costs after failing to comply with health and safety improvement notices.

Upon inspections by the council it was found that the property had a leaking roof, dangerous electrics and rotten window frames with glass almost falling out. Whilst this was all mentioned in the improvement notice as essential repairs needed to be carried out, the landlord failed to do so.

During the trial, the landlord pleaded not guilty, but was indeed found guilty and was fined £5,000 and the council was awarded costs of £9,000 with a surcharge of £181.A council spokesperson says: “It is completely unacceptable that this landlord has allowed his tenants to live in properties which are unsafe and in complete disarray.”

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