Landlord Fined £12,000 for Unsafe HMO Conversion in Egham
The Case of Meenu Jetwani
Meenu Jetwani is a 53-year-old landlord. She was fined £12,000 by Staines Magistrates’ Court on 28 November 2024. The fine came after she changed a three‐bed bungalow into a 15-room house of multiple occupation in Egham, Surrey. Runnymede Borough Council led the case with many detailed checks. They found that her work made the place unsafe for people to live.
Jetwani faced ten charges because people had to live under poor safety conditions at the property on St Pauls Road. Inspectors saw close problems that threatened the well-being of tenants. Each error added to a case that showed how far the property was from safe living.
Appalling Living Conditions
The council called the converted bungalow “appalling”. Health inspectors found close risks in several areas:
- Mould and Filth: Mould was found on the bathroom floor. Rubbish lay in the garden.
- Missing Safety Devices: Smoke alarms were few. Some rooms lay in the loft and eaves, reached only by crawling.
- Crowded Living Spaces: One small kitchen and two bathrooms served 15 people. Weekly rents between £85 and £125 did little to fix the lack of warmth. Camp beds were the only sleeping place.
Legal and Ethical Ramifications
Runnymede Borough Council moved fast when it saw the risks. During an inspection, officers met with angry resistance. Jetwani and her brother reacted with hostile words. They claimed a safety risk to stop the council team from working.
A council representative said, "People’s lives have been put at risk by these conditions, and a family home was used to make money." This statement shows the worry that comes when landlords forget their duty to keep homes safe.
Landlord Responsibilities in the HMO Sector
This case shows that landlords must stick to strong duties when they change homes to HMOs. The UK sets clear rules so that living spaces stay safe and fit for use. When rules are broken, fines are high. For investors thinking about HMOs, this news gives a warning about what can go wrong if safety rules are ignored.
Conclusion
The case of Meenu Jetwani reminds us to follow the law. With high demand for rented homes in Egham, safe living spaces stand as a top need. Landlords must work close to keep homes safe and meet legal checks while managing income. Those who already own rental property or plan to join the market should learn the rules well. This focus on care helps avoid costly mistakes and keeps tenants secure.
Sources:
- BBC News: Landlord fined over 15-room bungalow conversion
- Runnymede Borough Council: Housing – HMOs Safety Standards
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Court Hearings and Penalties
For further reading on HMO regulations and safety checks, visit Gov.uk: Housing and Planning Guidance to stay informed on best practices for managing rental property.
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
