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.
February’s Top Rogue Landlords & Agents
Hemel Hempstead landlord fined over £45,000 for unlicensed properties
A landlord from Hemel Hempstead was fined over £45,000 for operating two unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and failing to adhere to property management standards.
The case resulted in the discovery of Hussain’s properties in September 2022, which lacked essential safety measures like working fire alarms. Despite being notified, the landlord neglected to apply for HMO licenses or rectify the identified hazards, leading to a re-inspection that found continued violations.
The landlord’s penalties included £13,450 in fines, a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £29,856 in prosecution costs. Councillor Simy Dhyani highlighted the council’s commitment to ensuring safe, quality housing, stressing that while most landlords comply with legal standards, a minority fail to do so, adversely affecting tenants.
£20,000 fine for Leicester landlord with poor electrical safety in rental properties
A landlord with around 260 rental properties in Leicester, has been fined £20,000 for ignoring Emergency Prohibition Orders related to the safety of two flats. This marks the second instance in recent months where the landlord has been penalised for such negligence. Despite his denial, Northampton Magistrates’ Court found him guilty, imposing costs of £21,587 and a £170 victim surcharge on him.
The city council issued these orders due to severe concerns about the electricity supply’s safety, which led to the National Grid disconnecting power. Nevertheless, the landlord allowed tenants to remain in these hazardous conditions. This incident follows a previous conviction, where the landlord was found guilty of a similar offence.
Deputy city mayor for housing, Elly Cutkelvin, emphasised the council’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable residents and addressing landlords who consistently violate housing laws, highlighting the significant safety concerns that prompted the issuance of the prohibition orders and the landlord’s breach over nine months.
Landlord fined £10,000 in Telford for unregulated HMO’s
A landlord providing supported accommodation in the borough was fined £10,000 for failing to comply with regulations regarding houses in multiple occupation (HMO).
The council’s Private Sector Housing Team uncovered multiple safety concerns during an inspection of two HMOs housing vulnerable individuals. Issues identified included overflowing bins, an untended garden, a collapsed fence, and defects in the fire escape among others. Instead of facing prosecution, the landlord was issued Civil Penalty Notices, leading to the £10,000 penalty.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Enforcement, emphasised the council’s commitment to supporting landlords in fulfilling their legal responsibilities while also highlighting their readiness to enforce strong actions and sanctions to protect private sector residents. The fines serve as a deterrent, aimed at preventing future breaches by landlords, especially those providing critical support and accommodation to vulnerable populations.
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Hertfordshire landlord fined over £9k for safety violations
A landlord from Hertfordshire, has been fined £9,212.50 for neglecting to address heating and ventilation issues in his rental property in Harlesden, North West London.
Brent Council inspectors discovered the property’s deficiencies, including ventilation problems, a broken electric heater, and faulty fire control equipment.
Despite being given a seven-day deadline to make improvements, the landlord took no action, prompting a follow-up inspection r which confirmed his non-compliance.
His failure to ensure the maintenance and safety of fire equipment led the council to take legal action, citing severe negligence and risk to residents. Councillor Promise Knight criticised the landlord for his disregard for tenant safety and well-being, highlighting the landlord’s refusal to rectify identified hazards despite repeated warnings.
Peterborough Landlord fined £5,800 for housing nine people in an outbuilding
A landlord from Peterborough was fined £5,800 after being prosecuted for allowing a family of nine to live in an unsuitable outbuilding, violating a prohibition order.
Peterborough council officers initially inspected the property, identifying several hazards including poor condition, inadequate lighting, ventilation, and fire safety measures, and deemed it too small for occupancy.
Despite a ban on using the outbuilding for residential purposes, in October 2022, it was found occupied by a family with five children. On January 31, the landlord was convicted under section 32 of the Housing Act 2004, fined £2,000, with additional costs of £2,000 to the council and an £800 surcharge.
The building is now empty. The council’s spokesperson emphasised the importance of landlords in providing safe homes and warned of enforcement action against those who ignore legal obligations.
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