Rogue landlords often try and squeeze as many tenants as they can into one property. The more tenants they have, the more rental income they earn. Usually, safety is not a priority, so living conditions can run the gamut from cramped to downright dangerous.
Illegal HMO Conversion
One rogue landlord in Leicester managed to go the extra mile by squeezing six families into a property with only three bedrooms. Following a tip-off from a member of the public, housing officials turned up for a surprise inspection. They were shocked to discover each bedroom housed one family, while the living room had been divided into two living spaces for two more families. The landlord had also illegally converted the loft into another living area for a sixth family.
Property in State of Disrepair
Upon further inspection, the electrics were found to be unsafe, there were no smoke alarms or fire alarms, the property was in a state of disrepair with at least one broken window and a pretty squalid bathroom. The garden was also a mess.
The council housing inspectors immediately issued a prohibition order to prevent the further occupation of the loft, which was deemed to be very dangerous, as the only access was via a ladder. The landlord was then prosecuted for 10 offences. He admitted seven offences and was fined for each of them. He was also ordered to pay victim surcharges and cover the council’s legal costs.
Legislation Exists to Protect Vulnerable Tenants
“Legislation exists for a reason, and a there are a lot of factors that need to be considered before we will allow a home to be let to multiple tenants – not least the safety of the tenants themselves,” said Councillor Alison Smith.
“This case shows we will investigate reports from the public and act if someone is disregarding the rules and regulations.”
She added that she hoped the case would act as a deterrent to other rogue landlords.
The landlord told the court he hadn’t realised so many people would move into the property. Whether the court believed him wasn’t clear.
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