Landlord Slapped with £16k Fine Over Unsafe Home for Ten Tenants
A Havering landlord has been hit with a hefty £16,000 fine after putting the lives of ten tenants – including four kids – in danger. Feriz Mehmood, 50, of Elm Park, pleaded guilty to 16 offences linked to a rundown house in Rainham.
Failing on Safety and Hygiene
- No gas or electrical safety certificates
- Missing fire safety measures – no working smoke detectors or fire doors
- Insufficient kitchen facilities for all residents
- Rampant cockroach infestation ignored
The court uncovered that Mehmood was running the property without an HMO licence, blatantly breaking Havering Council’s housing rules.
£16,027 Bill to Be Paid by July 1
- £12,000 in fines
- £2,227.89 court costs
- £2,000 victim surcharge
The total sum of £16,027.89 must be paid by July 1, or else he’ll face further action.
Council Condemns “Irresponsible Landlord”
“All our residents deserve to live in safe accommodation,” said Havering Council leader Cllr Ray Morgon. “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 property housed ten people, including four children, when the council launched its investigation.
Support for Good Landlords But Tough on Rule-Breakers
“We are here to support landlords who play by the rules and work with them to ensure tenants live safely,” added Cllr Morgon. “But those who ignore safety standards, like in this case, must beware: we will take firm enforcement action.”
