A rogue landlord has been fined a huge £24,000 after renting out an illegal beds in shed structure that was totally unsuitable for residential use.
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The single storey illegal structure housed a family of three on one side of the building and the other side of the building was occupied by three single males. The building was in an appalling condition. The roof was leaking, there were dangerous electrics, some of the rooms had no natural lighting or ventilation, there was no fire alarm or fire doors and no safe means of escape in the event of a fire. A fire in this building could have resulted in multiple fatalities.
After discovering the alleged bed in shed structure in High Road, Ilford, the Council’s Housing Standards Team obtained a Court Warrant and organised a multi-agency enforcement operation in April 2013. A locksmith employed by the Council forced entry through a metal security gate which provided the only route in or out of the building. Also attending the early morning inspection were the Redbridge Community Police Team, Building Control, Planning Enforcement, London Fire Brigade and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The Metropolitan Police assisted during the execution of the warrant to ensure the situation remained under control so evidence could be gathered safely.
Found guilty of eight housing management offences
Mohammed Saleem of High Road Ilford failed to attend Havering Magistrates Court and the case was dealt with in his absence. On 13 December 2013, he was found guilty of eight housing management offences under the Housing Act 2004.
A fine of £24,000 (£3,000 per offence) plus costs of £1,683 and victim surcharge of £120 was ordered to be paid within 28 days.
Rafique Uddin from London E13 also appeared in Court on the same day charged with non-compliance of an Housing Improvement Notice at a property in Southbourne Gardens, Ilford. The electrical installation was found to be so dangerous that an electrical contractor employed by the Council immediately disconnected the installation to prevent risk of fire or electrocution. The property has since been fully rewired.
Uddin pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £3,000, costs of £2,190 and victim surcharge of £120.
‘We will not tolerate landlords allowing people to live in our Borough like this’
Councillor Michelle Dunn, Cabinet Member for Housing said, “This fine for failing to keep residents safe is one of the largest in the country and shows the seriousness of the offences. The tenants were living in dangerous conditions and we will not tolerate landlords allowing people to live in our Borough like this and will continue to take tough enforcement action.”
Chief Inspector Fish said, “There is a strong partnership in Redbridge between the Local Authority and police departments and this relationship allows for strong collective activity to resolve problems reported by the public. The £24,000 fine is a clear message to any other rogue landlords that might be considering housing vulnerable people in substandard accommodation. The public have told us at meetings and via the ward panels that they want action to close over crowed, illegally let properties and police will continue to support Redbridge Housing Standards Team with the Beds in Sheds project.”
