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.
Landlord and Property Manager Fined £63,000 for Unsafe London HMO
A landlord and his property management company have been ordered to pay £63,000 in fines and court costs after unsafe conditions were discovered at an unlicensed HMO in central London. The prosecution was brought by Kensington and Chelsea council following serious safety failings at 36 Hyde Park Gate.
Mohammed Rasool and Blackstone Properties Management Ltd were found responsible for operating a 22-room HMO without the required licence. Council officers visited the property in 2021 after a tenant reported concerns in 2020. The inspection revealed tenants were living with significant fire, health, and safety risks, including damaged fire doors, inadequate fire separation between bedrooms, lack of fire safety protection in the boiler room and lobby, covered fire alarms, and burnt out or loose electrical sockets.
The council stated that Rasool and his company were given opportunities to address the issues but chose not to do so. The court subsequently ordered them to pay a total of £63,000 in fines and costs.
This property has a history of legal action. An earlier prosecution three years ago resulted in a £500,000 fine, which was later challenged, leading to a retrial a few weeks ago. According to Companies House records, Blackstone Properties Management Ltd is currently more than two years behind in its company paperwork, and Rasool remains a director.
This case highlights the importance for letting agents and inventory clerks to ensure that HMOs are properly licensed and maintained to meet all safety regulations. Local authorities continue to take enforcement action where landlords and property managers fail to comply with legal requirements.
Source: The Negotiator