A landlord in Slough has been fined £9,000 over several licensing failures and breach of fire safety regulations.
Hajra Mehmood was found guilty of eight counts, including failing to license an HMO property, and ordered to pay £5,556.37 in costs.
Slough Borough Council first came aware of the breaches at the property on Knolton Way in 2023 and obtained a warrant to search the premises in September of that year.
Nine unrelated people were found to be living at the property which would require it to be licensed as an HMO premises.
There was also no working fire alarm system at the property, insufficient means of escape in the event of a fire and a lack of fire proofing between floors.
Tenants had been expected to use a bathroom constructed in a brick shed in the garden which had ill-fitting doors and windows that did not close properly.
No information was on display for tenants informing them of how to get in touch with the owner to report problems.
Hajra also ignored formal requests to provide the council with official documentation, such as tenancy agreements and property ownership records.
The case was heard at Reading Magistrates Court on 24th January. Though found guilty on eight counts, Hajra was found not guilty on one charge relating to the garden.
“I am delighted to see the court taking these offences so seriously,” said councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection at the council. “Tenants deserve to live in conditions which are safe and habitable and there is no excuse for landlords to abandon their legal duties.
“Let this be a warning to others to check they are meeting all their obligations, and if not, take immediate action to avoid appearing in court themselves and facing huge financial penalties.”
