Property manager and landlord to pay £63K for unsafe HMO
Summary
A London landlord and his property management company have been fined and ordered to pay court costs totalling £63,000 after being prosecuted over unsafe conditions at an unlicensed 22-room HMO in Kensington and Chelsea. The case involved serious fire and health and safety failings, including damaged fire doors, inadequate fire separation, covered alarms and electrical defects, with the court finding the operators failed to act on opportunities to remedy the issues.
Why it matters
The case highlights the enforcement risks associated with unlicensed HMOs and poor fire safety management, which are directly relevant to surveyors assessing residential rental stock. It also reinforces the importance of identifying licensing, safety and compliance breaches where properties are being inspected, valued or advised upon.
Key points
- Unlicensed 22-room HMO in central London found to have serious fire and safety defects.
- Council prosecution resulted in £63,000 in fines and court costs.
- Defects included damaged fire doors, inadequate fire separation, covered alarms and electrical hazards.
- The court found the landlord and managing company failed to take available remedial action.
- The property had previously been the subject of an earlier prosecution.
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