Two unscrupulous landlords in north London have been ordered to pay just over £130,000 for renting out three unsafe properties illegally.
An investigation by the Islington Council revealed 35 breaches of the management of HMO regulations at three properties, leaving tenants at risk from serious fire safety hazards, overcrowding and disrepair.
No fewer than 35 people were found crammed into a modest home, while another property had no working fire alarm system and dangerous electrics.
The investigation also found that the tenants did not have tenancy agreements and paid rent in cash.
Landlord Arun Bajaj, 60, was found guilty of 15 offences and was fined £100,000. He was also ordered to pay £20,000 costs.
Antonio Ferraiuolo, 57, was found guilty of 35 offences and was fined £10,500.
Cllr Diarmaid Ward, the council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This case shows that, where landlords and managers put their tenants at risk and provide substandard conditions, they will be held to account by the council and by the courts.
“We are pleased that these two defendants have been brought to justice and handed suitable fines for their offences.”
Comments (1)
In life we all make mistakes I’d like to say that firstly. To be putting peoples lives at risk for money shows either a lack of care or disregard for human life within a position of responsibility to sometimes the most vulnerable people in society. IMHO these people have put lives at risk whilst running a business. Seems a very peculiar outcome to be given an opportunity to buy yourself out of trouble. Most importantly does nothing whatsoever to help those in this kind of situation. If you disagree ask yourself one question. What’s more important than to lose a family member through either of the options I gave . These Individuals deserve to spend time behind bars and my reasons are simple no amount of money we can have will buy a life. And its obvious to any professional landlord that this is what causes us all to be tarred with the same brush
Despite being caring ,careful, professional and most of all have integrity.
People matter not money