A rogue landlord has been ordered to pay just under £7,500 over a dangerous and unsanitary HMO in Cardiff.
Delwara Choudhury pleaded guilty to 14 offences at Cardiff Magistrates regarding her property at Cowbridge Road East in the Canton area of the city.
Cardiff Council investigators found 10 unrelated individuals living at the six-bedroom property which had “serious hazards” throughout the property.
These included exposed living wiring, damp and mould, unsafe stairs, unsanitary kitchen and bathroom facilities, a rodent infestation, poor lighting and ventilation and missing handrails.
Officers also found inadequate means of escape in the event of a fire, with it unclear if the property’s fire alarm system worked.
These inspections took place last year, with the council issuing an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) in July 2025 which required all residents to vacate immediately.
It then was revealed the property was not licensed as an HMO.
Choudhury tried to appeal the EPO but this was dismissed at a Residential Property Tribunal in July 2026.
She was fined £700 each for five offences relating to the lack of a suitable fire alarm system, inadequate structural fire separation, an out-of-date fire extinguisher, failure to license the property under the Housing Act 2004 and failure to register with Rent Smart Wales.
This resulted in total fines of £3,500. She was also ordered to pay £2,500 towards Cardiff Council’s legal costs and a victim surcharge of £1,400.
It is understood that Choudhury has since terminated her lease and no longer has any involvement with the property.
“This case highlights the serious consequences of failing to manage a rental property safely and in accordance with the law, which is in place to protect residents,” said councillor Lynda Thorne, cabinet member for housing at Cardiff Council.
“The conditions found at this property presented an unacceptable risk to the residents living in the property, particularly in relation to fire and electrical safety.
“Landlords and property managers have a legal responsibility to ensure their properties meet the required standards and that the appropriate licences and registrations are in place.”
“We will continue to take robust enforcement action where we find landlords putting tenants at risk or failing to comply with their legal obligations.”
