Camden landlord fined £12,500 due to “unsafe and unlicensed” property

During an inspection of the property (which is located on Belsize Road in Kilburn) conducted back in May last year, Camden Council enforcement officers found five unrelated tenants living in the property, meaning that thwre was a requirement for an HMO licence.

Officers also identified multiple fire safety issues including the lack of a carbon monoxide alarm, items blocking the fire escape and insufficient fire safety doors to the flat entrance, kitchen and bedrooms. They also found significant disrepair and mould growth in the bathroom.

The landlord – namely Benjamin George Wilson of Fitzjohn Avenue in Barnet – didn’t appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 8 January. In his absence, Wilson was found guilty of five offences committed under the Housing Act 2004 for letting an unlicensed HMO and failing to comply with multiple regulations under Section 234 of the Housing Act 2004.

As a result, Wilson was ordered to pay a total of £15,872 (ie £2,500 for each of the five offences, a surcharge of £2,000 and prosecution costs of £1,372).

Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet member for better homes at Camden Council, noted: “This landlord profited from residents living in dangerous conditions and failed to comply with clear legislation. I’m pleased that he has been handed this fine thanks to the robust work of our enforcement officers.”

Abdi-Wali continued: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that’s safe and secure. With over one third of households in Camden being privately rented, we will not hesitate to take action against landlords who fail to meet important safety and management standards for our residents.”