A landlord in Havering has been fined more than £16,000 after a court heard how he put the lives of ten tenants, including four children, at risk by failing to maintain a safe house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Feriz Mehmood, 50, of Coronation Drive in Elm Park, pleaded guilty to 16 offences relating to a property on Thorn Lane, Rainham, during a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on June 3.
The offences included:
-
Failing to supply gas and electrical safety certificates
-
Neglecting fire safety measures, including a lack of working smoke detectors and missing fire doors
-
Inadequate kitchen facilities for the number of residents
-
Cockroach infestation, which Mehmood failed to address
The court heard that Mehmood did not hold the required HMO licence, and was operating the property in clear breach of Havering Council’s housing regulations.
He was ordered to pay:
-
£12,000 in fines
-
£2,227.89 in court costs
-
£2,000 victim surcharge
Total: £16,027.89, payable by July 1
Council Leader Slams “Irresponsible Landlord”
Havering Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon condemned the landlord’s actions:
“All our residents deserve to live in safe accommodation. We will continue to crack down on irresponsible landlords who put lives at risk by providing poorly maintained HMO properties.”
“We won’t tolerate it, and we won’t hesitate to use the strongest possible action available to us.”
The council confirmed that the property was home to ten people, including four children, at the time of the investigation.
Support for Responsible Landlords
Cllr Morgon added that the council supports compliant landlords, but warned those who flout the rules:
“We are also here to support landlords and work alongside them to ensure tenants are living safely. But those who ignore safety standards, like in this case, must be aware we will take enforcement action.”
