An Ilford landlord has
been embroiled in an alarming prosecution that involved the record
number of offences ever seen in Redbridge Council, Greater
London.
The landlord in question, Amarjit Sanger, had been letting five
Houses in Multiple Occupation where, according to authorities,
conditions were so poor the lives of the tenants occupying the
properties were being put in regular danger.
After discovering the unsavoury and overcrowded premises the
council took Sanger to court. Some of his tenants were
reportedly living in cellars with no access to natural light or
ventilation, there were also gas leaks, poor drainage, plus a lack
of handrails, banisters and fire doors.
None of Mr Sanger's properties had been properly converted into
HMOs, and there were no records of planning or building
consent. The council served an emergency prohibition order on
one of the properties to quickly ensure its occupants were removed
from the dangerous surroundings, however they found people still
living there six months later.
Michelle Dunn, cabinet member for housing at Redbridge Council,
said: "In terms of the number of offences, to date this is the
largest prosecution in the history of the borough.
"Redbridge is working hard to help drive up standards in the
private rented sector, and while the vast majority of landlords
manage their properties well, there are some who flout the law and
place their tenants' lives at risk."
Sanger pleaded guilty to a total of 75 Housing Act offences and
has been ordered to pay nearly £40,000. The properties in
question are no longer in use as HMOs and the council says the
landlord has carried out a major renovation programme.
