Press Releases

Landlord gets hefty fine after failing to licence his properties (PR 1033)

A landlord who failed to register three of his properties as Houses in Multiple Occupation and didn’t even provide decent kitchen facilities or wash basins in one of them has been fined £17,500.

Bhupendra Bose, of The Avenue, West Ealing, was investigated by Ealing Council’s Environmental Health team after it received numerous complaints from neighbours of his properties.

He was given the £17,500 fine and ordered to pay £1,000 costs at Acton Magistrates’ Court, on 2 August.

He pleaded guilty to failing to register his following three properties as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs):

He also pleaded guilty to failing to carry out a previous order by Ealing Council to install a working fire alarm system, fire doors on all the rooms, provide satisfactory kitchen facilities and install wash basins at his Waldeck Road property.

Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “There are very good reasons why landlords have to register their HMOs because they are about ensuring tenants live safely and in humane conditions.

“Renting a property in West Ealing is not cheap and tenants in these properties deserved better from Bose.

“He has been a landlord a long time and knows he has to comply with the regulations.”

The investigation by the Environmental Health team was carried out as part of the Council’s drive to fulfil its priority of Safer Communities.

HMO licensing was introduced as part of the Housing Act 2004. The scheme is designed to ensure properties are reasonably suitable for the number of occupants and comply with basic standards such as having adequate fire alarms and doors, bathroom, toilet and kitchen facilities. It also ensures procedures in place for general maintenance and repairs.

All landlords of HMOs should licence their properties and ensure they are safe for their tenants.  They should contact the Environmental Health team on 020 8825 6622 or visit the housing section on the Council’s website – www.ealing.gov.uk.

The maxmimum fine for non-licensing is £20,000.

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