Rogue London landlord fined 5000 after housing mother and child in 'dangerous' outbuilding

"This landlord put lives at risk and that is simply unacceptable. No one should have to live in unsafe or dangerous conditions. Our officers are cracking down on rogue landlords who put profit before people. Thanks to joint work with the police, we've taken swift enforcement action and ensured the mother and child are now in a safe, suitable home no longer exposed to these appalling conditions."

"Officers from the Met Police first raised concerns with the council, who then uncovered a garage being rented out in unsafe and horrendous conditions. Not only was it structurally unsafe but it was riddled with serious health and safety hazards, including DIY electrical wiring and an excessive number of extension leads. Officers issued an Emergency Prohibition Order, banning anyone from using the outbuilding."

The bed-in-shed was never approved for residential use and contained flammable cladding, no fixed heating or insulation, and damaged electrical sockets. The mother and child have been moved to safe accommodation. The landlord was fined by Harrow Council and issued a 5,000 civil penalty for failing to declare the structure as part of an HMO licence and for providing false information. Officers from the Met Police and council uncovered a garage being rented in unsafe conditions with DIY electrical wiring and excessive extension leads, prompting an Emergency Prohibition Order. London faces worsening housebuilding and rental crises driven by high inflation and stagnant wages, leaving tenants vulnerable.

Read at www.standard.co.uk