An unlicensed landlord in Southall has been fined £20,000 for breaches to his house in multiple occupation. Mr Ajmeet Singh owned a shop with a number of residential flats above. He has been fined some £17,900 in addition to costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge which brings a total penalty of £20,100 for failing to appropriately licence the property as a house in multiple occupation.
He claimed that he was not aware of his responsibilities and licensing duties. Ealing Council argued in court that every effort had be made to communicate with Mr Singh and to raise the issue, however all approaches and attempts to communicate have been ignored.
The executive director for Regeneration and Housing who is also responsible at the London Borough of Ealing for the town planning, building control, transport policy, community safety, environmental health and trading standards, regeneration, economic development and property and housing, Mr Pat Hayes stated that “with all the information currently available about the regulations for licensing and managing private rented properties, it is unbelievable that any reputable owner would be unaware of their responsibilities. Mr Singh deliberately chose to ignore issues raised by the council about the licensing and condition of the property and has received a significant penalty for his blatant dishonesty.
“The Council is committed to ensuring all residents in the borough have decent safe homes to live in. We will take robust action against unscrupulous landlords who fail to comply with regulations and I hope this case sends a stark warning to those who knowingly break the law.â€
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