At Kamma, we understand that property licensing is complex, inconsistent, and ever changing.
We analyse and sort data to help letting agents, landlords and surveyors understand the impact of property licensing and planning permission on their properties and assets, leveraging technology and data to help you stay on top of new schemes and avoid hefty fines.
November’s Top Rogue Landlords & Agents
Landlord in Kensington fined nearly half £1 million for hazardous HMO
In a landmark ruling at Westminster Magistrate Court, a rogue landlord and his company were fined £480,000 for letting out a hazardous, damp-ridden 22-bedroom HMO on Hyde Park Gate.
The case, initiated by Kensington & Chelsea Council following a tenant complaint in 2020, revealed severe safety breaches including fire hazards, damp conditions, and lack of proper licensing. Despite warnings, the landlord failed to regularise operations, leading to a coordinated inspection uncovering damaged fire doors, insufficient fire separation, obstructed fire alarms, and dangerous electrical sockets. The property also had damp and mould, decayed windows, and inadequate kitchen facilities.
This soaring fine of nearly £500,000 paints a clear message: rogue landlords will face consequences to the full extent of the law.
Landlord fined £93,000 in Southampton for illegal property extensions
A landlord from Christchurch was fined £93,000 by Southampton Crown Court for illegal property extensions.
The landlord breached planning enforcement notices by unlawfully renting out a property without appropriate planning permission. The landlord initially converted a garage into a dwelling, but later unlawfully extended this and another property, creating two illegal dwellings. Despite losing an appeal against enforcement notices, they continued renting out these properties.
The court issued a £77,133 confiscation order for his financial gains from these actions, an £8,000 fine for planning offences, and ordered him to pay £7,877 in costs.
Stoke-on-Trent landlord fined £11,800 for failing to meet licensing requirements
Stoke-on-Trent City Council fined a landlord £11,800 for operating a HMO without a licence.
The property was in poor condition, with bathrooms failing to meet minimum standards, and evidence of a fly infestation and waste accumulation. The landlord in question also had to pay £2,000 in costs and a £195 victim surcharge, which underscores their commitment to ensuring landlords provide safe, quality homes.
Councillor Chris Robinson emphasised the council’s seriousness in addressing complaints and encouraged residents to report issues with privately-rented homes.
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