Unlicensed property landlord flouted local rules for 10 years

A landlord has been fined £5,000 for permitting six tenants to occupy an unlicensed property in Hertsmere.

The local council issued the fine after investigations found that the property, in Potters Bar, was occupied by six people for more than 10 years while unlicensed to do so.

The property was also discovered to have a variety of defects, particularly relating to fire safety, including no fire doors or emergency lighting and poor smoke detection, while an escape route was not fire protected.

A council spokesperson says: “People’s safety is our highest priority, and the fine issued in this case shows that we will take appropriate action to deal with landlords who fail to take their responsibilities seriously.

“In this case, the lives of the tenants were put at risk because of a number of unacceptable defects at the property. Our message to all landlords is that everyone has the right to live in safe, secure accommodation which adheres to certain standards by law, and we are committed to always enforcing those living standards.” 

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