Court fines unlucky but rogue landlord £12,000 over unlicensed HMO

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A landlord in Buckinghamshire is the latest to receive a large fine for operating an unlicenced HMO.

Ahmad Kamal Younus, who owns a rental property on Ellsworth Road in High Wycombe, was recently found guilty of five offices Wycombe Magistrate Court by District Judge Sharma, including operating an unlicenced HMO and failing to ensure fire safety measures at the property.

Younus’ crimes would not have been discovered had it not been for a curious Environmental Health Officer who was visiting another property in the vicinity.

Although Younus, who operates through a limited company, initially tried to claim the detached suburban house (pictured) was his own family’s residence, investigations by the local council revealed six unrelated tenants living at the address.

It was in a poor condition including numerous fire safety hazards violations including a key turn lock (pictured, inset) on the final exit door at the rear of the property, contrary to Section 234(3) of the Housing Act 2004, which requires that this type of door can be opened from the inside without the use of a key.

Guilty

The landlord was taken to court over the illegal HMO and found guilty on all five charges, Judge Sharma concluding that he “must have known the house was an HMO”.

Younus was fined £5,000, ordered to pay costs of £6,878.96, and a victim surcharge of £190, totalling £12,068.96.

Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing & Regulatory Services, said: “We are committed to ensuring that tenants live in safe and secure conditions. As part of this commitment, we will continue taking decisive action against landlords who put the welfare of tenants at risk by operating unsafe, unlicensed HMOs.”

The trial took place on 6 March 2023, at Wycombe Magistrate Court before District Judge Sharma. Mr Younus was found guilty on all charges, with the Judge concluding that he must have known the house was an HMO. The property was found to be in poor condition, with numerous fire safety violations.

Fine

Mr Younus was fined £5,000, ordered to pay costs of £6,878, and a victim surcharge of £190, totalling £12,068.

Mark Winn (pictured), Cabinet Member for Housing & Regulatory Services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that tenants live in safe and secure conditions.

“As part of this commitment, we will continue taking decisive action against landlords who put the welfare of tenants at risk by operating unsafe, unlicensed HMOs.

“Landlords operating an HMO with five or more tenants must apply for a licence to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

For more information on HMO licensing, visit the Buckinghamshire Council’s website.

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