news release /
ID 8613
05 January 2017
For Immediate Release
New Year begins with a fine for rogue landlord
The New Year began with a prosecution and hefty fine for a rogue landlord in the town.
Luton’s Rogue Landlord Project campaign is successfully ensuring that tenants are not ripped off and asked to live in squalid and dangerous accommodation.
Amer Mahmood pleaded guilty to operating a House in Multiple Occupation without a licence and three breaches of HMO regulations.
Mr Mahmood’s counsel explained that he had a substance misuse problem and three months prior to the offence he had been in rehab in Kashmir returning a few weeks after the inspection. He admits he placed around six tenants in the property and accepted responsibility for what happened, more people moving in and the state of the property. It was explained that white goods photographed in the yard belonged to a tenant who repairs them and Mr Mahmood was unaware he had filled the yard with them. All tenants have now vacated the house which is being refurbished.
The court took into account his situation but concluded that even though he was absent he was responsible for renting out the property in a poor state to the point of being dangerous. He was fined a total of £16,420.
Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The purpose of HMO licensing is to ensure that the properties meet certain standards in relation to disrepair, fire safety and that there are enough toilet and washing facilities for the number of people living there.
This case underlines the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensure private tenants in our town have safe, high-quality accommodation. In situations like this, unscrupulous landlords are not only taking financial advantage of vulnerable tenants, but placing their lives in danger. Every landlord housing different families that share the same facilities under one roof must register for an HMO licence. We will not hesitate to prosecute landlords who show a disregard for the law and their responsibilities towards occupants and we encourage anyone who suspects a property may be an unlicensed HMO to contact us immediately.
“The good news for tenants taken advantage of in situations like this is that they are entitled to claim up to 12 months rent back from the landlord – something the Council hopes will make landlords think twice and take seriously their legal obligations.”
The Luton’s Rogue Landlord project is a joint initiative between the Council, Police, Fire Service, Citizens Advice Luton and Luton Law Centre, supported by government funding of nearly £100,000.
It is easy to check on a specific property. There is a full list of registered HMOs on the Council’s website www.luton.gov.uk/hmo Residents can email or call 01582 547222 in complete confidence.
Concerns over “beds in sheds” – situations where typically vulnerable individuals are crammed into sheds and charged exorbitant prices – can be raised by emailing or calling 01582 548890.
Ends