Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully secured a three-year Banning Order against a rogue landlord and owner of a high street estate agency.

This order, issued to Ruhul Shamsuddin, is the first of its kind in Essex. It legally prohibits Shamsuddin from letting properties, engaging in letting agency work, or managing any properties across England.

The council pursued the Banning Order from the First Tier Tribunal following two successful convictions in 2023 against Shamsuddin and his associated companies, Lordsons Estates, Lordsons Limited, and Conker Property Management.

These convictions resulted from council inspections of properties at 12 Clifftown Road and 90 and 90A West Road, which uncovered severe disrepair, dangerous overcrowding, and a failure to obtain proper licensing.

During these inspections, council officers also identified numerous fire safety breaches, including rooms without fire escape access, significant disrepair in communal areas, damp and mould, lack of heating, and unsafely located cooking appliances. The council intervened to assist the families living in these unsafe conditions, helping them find alternative accommodation in the private rented sector.

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “I’d like to thank our regulatory services team for their hard work in securing this important outcome. Obtaining the first-ever banning order in Essex is a landmark achievement that underscores our commitment to protecting residents from unscrupulous landlords.

“Mr Shamsuddin’s conduct was unacceptable, and this action demonstrates our commitment to addressing such issues. Our priority is to make sure that everyone in Southend-on-Sea has access to safe and secure housing, and we will continue to take necessary steps to uphold these standards.”