Warnings are not to be ignored. We recently took a landlord to court for failing to provide essential information
- Four bed house converted into multiple units riddled with fire hazards was banned from use by Council officers
- Broken boiler, no smoke alarm and gas leak detected on inspection
- Landlord taken to court for failing to respond and supply important safety documents
A Harrow landlord has been prosecuted been hit with a £9,000 penalty for repeatedly ignoring council notices and failing to provide essential information about his property which was a suspected unlicenced House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) - and riddled with fire hazards.
Officers visited the four bedroom property in Edgware after repeated complaints of rubbish piling up outside. Inside they found dangerous living conditions – including a broken boiler and no smoke alarms. An emergency engineer was called out after a strong smell of gas was detected. Officers immediately issued an Emergency Prohibition Order to stop anyone living in the property until urgent repairs were made.
Despite several formal requests, the landlord, Kamil Trivedi, failed to provide the required fire and electrical safety certificates. These documents are vital for the council to identify who is managing the property and ensuring tenants are protected.
On 11 December, at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, the London Borough of Harrow successfully prosecuted Mr Trivedi. He was found guilty of two offences: failing to provide a fire safety certificate and failing to provide the electrical safety certificate.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety said:
“Our officers work tirelessly to protect tenants and ensure landlords know their responsibilities. When they issue notices, they must be taken seriously. This case shows the consequences of ignoring warnings and allowing a property to fall into a dangerous state.
“Our officers acted swiftly to shut the property down and prosecute Mr Trivedi. No one is above the law. We will continue to put residents first and take tough action against anyone who puts them at risk.”
Trivedi was fined of £5,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 and ordered to pay a costs contribution of £2,000.