Three landlords have been fined a collective £452,796 for “significant breaches” of the Housing Act 2004, by West Northamptonshire Council.
The convictions were secured by the council’s private sector housing team and involved eight unlicensed properties across Northampton.
The breaches at the properties - on Obelisk Rise, Aynho Crescent, Hinton road, Chalcombe Avenue, Kingsland Avenue and Culworth Crescent - ranged from fire safety failings to inadequate tenant information.
The judgement was handed down at Northampton Magistrates Court on 31st October which highlighted Faiz Hameed as the “controlling mind” of the enterprise.
Faiz was found to have disregarded essential housing standards, endangering tenants through inadequate licensing, fire safety violations, and poor maintenance. He was fined £312,000 and is having to pay £23,250 towards investigation costs.
In addition, landlord Ahmed Saeed was fined £34,000 for his role and ordered to contribute £13,675 towards costs.
The third landlord, Victoria Cebotari, was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £9,328 towards costs.
All three have also had to pay a victim surcharge of £181 each.
"This case sends a strong message to landlords who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk,” said Rosie Herring, councillor and cabinet member for housing.
“Our private sector housing team has worked tirelessly to ensure tenants have access to safe, secure, and compliant homes, and these penalties reflect the severity of the offences committed. We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who disregard the law."
