A London council has prosecuted a managing agent and its director after being found guilty of offences under the Housing Act 2004 at two HMOs.
London Living Group Limited of Camden and director Alvaro Odeh-Torro, of Essex, were convicted of eight offences and collectively fined a total of £47,200 with costs of £3,000.
Both properties were licensed as HMOs and were inspected after Camden council obtained information that Odeh-Torro and his company were involved with the management of the property.
Odeh-Torro is well known to Camden council after it had taken earlier enforcement action against other of his companies (Alterna Limited and LRTR Limited) for similar offences previously and issued financial penalties for breaches against companies of which was a director.
An inspection of one property found that it was occupied by more households than was authorised by the HMO licence: officers also noted several issues including defective fire doors.
The inspection of a second property found that an undersized room was being occupied despite the HMO licence specifically stating that the room should not be occupied.
Odeh-Torro and London Living Limited also pleaded guilty to providing false or misleading information to the council relating to the receipt of rental payments from the tenants.
A council spokesperson says: “Around a third of Camden residents rent from private landlords and they deserve to live in properly regulated, safe homes and to be treated fairly. Most of our landlords are decent law-abiding people. However, for too long, a minority have been able to let housing that is unsuitable while exploiting their tenants and woefully disregarding their wellbeing and safety.
“Our Private Sector Housing service are continuing to improve the standards in Camden’s private housing sector, empowering renters to take action and helping good landlords to run successful businesses. Our message to landlords and letting agents is that we are here to work with you; to provide advice and assistance first of all and to ensure you can meet your obligations.”
