AN UNLICENSED landlord has been prosecuted and fined over £5,000 in costs to tenants after renting an unlicensed House Multiple Occupancy in Waltham Forest, London.
Mohammed Shah Kamal Ahmed was found guilty of renting the property at 875a Leyton High Road to multiple tenants without a license at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 25 November 2016.
A council spokesperson said: “Unlicensed landlords put their tenants’ lives at risk. If your landlord is not licensed you may not be safe as the property will not meet expected safety standards. There may not be a fire escape, safety equipment may not be thoroughly checked, or the electrics may not be up to standard.”
Two tenants were then paid back a total of £5,996.72 after making their claims to Waltham Forest’s tenants’ advocacy service Cambridge House.
Landlords of unlicensed rental properties in Waltham Forest are likely to face Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) as Cambridge House can assist tenants to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal to claim their rent back, up to a maximum of twelve months’ time period.
The spokesperson added: “We target the rogue landlords who put their tenants’ lives at risk, and our message is clear: if you do not have a license, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will assist your tenants to claim back the money they have paid you. The safety of our residents is our primary concern – we will always seek the maximum penalties for anyone who endangers them.”
If you think your landlord may not have a license or have any concern about your private rental property, contact the council’s Licensing Team by emailing propertylicensing@walthamforest.gov.uk