Rogue landlord ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £9,000

Enforcement officers issued an improvement notice to the landlord, namely Kevin McLoughlin of Hertfordshire, back in June last year mandating that essential repairs to address the unearthed hazards be completed by August.

Following a further inspection of the property in August, it was plainly evident that no action had been taken. Enforcement officers also identified a further hazard in the form of a faulty fire control panel, which would pose a significant risk to residents in the event of a fire outbreak.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring fire safety equipment is properly maintained and in good working order for the safety of their residents.

McLoughlin was instructed to repair the fire control panel within seven days. After a final inspection of the property in September, it was clear that all instructions and notices issued to McLoughlin had been ignored and that he had failed to address any of the concerns identified.

Recognising the severe negligence and risk posed to residents, Brent Council escalated the matter and took McLoughlin to court.

Hefty fines

“Despite repeated directives,” asserted Councillor Promise Knight (Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Reform), “the landlord demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of residents by failing to address any of the hazards identified.”

Councillor Knight added: “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place in which to live. Rogue landlords in our London Borough will find themselves facing hefty fines and, possibly, a criminal conviction. We will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to hold them to account.”

On 15 February, McLoughlin pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of the improvement notice. He was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £9,212.50.

All landlords renting out properties in Brent (with Wembley Park being an exception) will be legally required to have a selective license from 1 April 2024.