A private landlord has been hit with £9,000 in fines and costs for ignoring notices to improve his property in north London.
Following reports of disrepair from a tenant of the flat in Harlesden, the council inspected the property and uncovered a range of hazards, including ventilation issues and a broken electric heater.
Enforcement officers issued an improvement notice to the landlord, Kevin McLoughlin of Hertfordshire, in June 2023 mandating that essential repairs to address these hazards be completed by August 2023.
Following a reinspection of the property in August 2023, it was evident that no action had been taken. Enforcement officers also identified a further hazard, a faulty fire control panel, posing a significant risk to residents in the event of a fire.
McLoughlin was instructed to repair the fire control panel within seven days. But after a final inspection of the property in September 2023, it was clear that all instructions and notices issued to the landlord had been ignored and he had failed to address any of the concerns identified. Recognising the severe negligence and risk posed to residents, the council escalated the matter and took McLoughlin to court.
Cllr Promise Knight, cabinet member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, said: “Despite repeated directives, the landlord demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of residents by failing to address any of the hazards identified.
“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live. Rogue landlords in our borough will find themselves facing hefty fines and possibly a criminal conviction. We will use whatever powers we have to hold them to account.”
McLoughlin pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of the improvement notice. The landlord was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £9,212.50.
All landlords renting out properties in Brent will be legally required to have a selective license from 1 April 2024 (except in Wembley Park).
