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.
January’s Top Rogue Landlords & Agents
Newham Council secures first banning order for rogue landlord and £10,000 fine
Newham Council in London achieved a significant victory by securing a three-year Banning Order against a rogue landlord. This landmark case, a first for Newham, prohibits the landlord from renting properties or engaging in letting agency activities in England.
The order follows the landlord’s conviction for seven offences under the Housing Act 2004, including failing to licence a property used as a HMO and breaching six HMO Management Regulations, resulting in a £10,000 fine and legal costs to the Council.
The Banning Order also extends to the landlord’s involvement in any corporate body related to letting or property management. Additionally, Newham’s Planning Enforcement Team secured convictions against the landlord for unauthorised property extensions, with cases now committed to the Crown Court for further proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
£10,451 fine issued to Watford landlord for hazardous property conditions
A landlord was fined £10,451 by Watford Council for failing to remove dangerous mould from a children’s bedroom.
The council’s environmental health team found hazardous conditions in a property on Kings Avenue, particularly unsafe for the three young children living there. Despite an improvement notice and an emergency prohibition order from the council, the landlord in question did not perform the required repairs.
The family affected has since vacated the property. The landlord, who admitted the offence at St Albans Magistrates Court, was also ordered to pay a £1,843 victim surcharge and £4,000 in court costs. Watford mayor Peter Taylor emphasised the council’s commitment to protecting residents, especially children, from such neglectful landlords.
Bath landlord pays over £10,000 for unauthorised building alterations
The owner of Midford Castle in Bath, was made to pay over £10,000 for unauthorised alterations to Grade II* Listed buildings, including the Coach House, Chapel, and Greenhouse.
Bath and North East Somerset Council prosecuted the landlord after their planning enforcement team discovered the unapproved works during a separate planning enforcement appeal.
The buildings, dating from around 1810, are within the Cotswolds National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Green Belt. The landlord pleaded guilty to two offences under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, resulting in fines totaling £5,333, costs of £4,933.25, and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
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