Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Bradford Landlord Faces Further Fine for Poor HMO Conditions

Bradford landlord Hasan Kazi, 76, has been found guilty of a series of new offences related to poor conditions at three of his houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The court has warned that Kazi now faces a significant financial penalty.

The offences relate to properties on Easby Road and Ashgrove in Bradford. The court heard that these properties suffered from rodent and cockroach infestations, leaking roofs, broken fire doors, and blocked drains that allegedly caused human waste and used toilet paper to emerge from external pipework and collect in guttering. Inspectors also reported finding rotten food inside a broken fridge, and one tenant was told to place a rug over a damp patch caused by a ceiling leak. Adhesive tape had been used in an attempt to repair a leaking roof, but the issue persisted, including during a council inspection.

The prosecution was brought by Bradford Council. The court allowed evidence of Kazi’s previous conduct after a successful “bad character” application. Tribunal and court records show that Kazi had previously been fined £43,000 after tenants were found living in rodent-infested flats with serious disrepair issues. Other enforcement cases dating back to at least 2017 were also referenced, involving fire safety failings, waste accumulation, and poor living conditions linked to his Bradford HMOs.

Kazi owns 18 properties in Bradford, housing around 100 tenants. Deputy District Judge Imran Hussain told Kazi that the evidence against him was overwhelming and described his evidence as vague, inconsistent, and at times fanciful.

Kazi will return to court at a later date, when the size of the financial penalty will be determined.