Landlord Fined for Illegal HMO Conversion in Egham
A landlord in Egham, Surrey, was fined £12,000 for converting a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room HMO without the proper permission. He appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court and admitted multiple charges that pointed to unsafe living conditions.
Inspectors found many faults during a detailed check. They saw mould in the bathrooms, a shortage of smoke alarms, tight room access, and kitchen and bathroom setups that failed to reach current standards. Some tenants had poor sleeping arrangements, and piles of rubbish cluttered the property.
The local council secured a warrant to search the house because the conditions placed residents at high risk. The landlord also had to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge along with his fine.
This case stresses the need for careful adherence to housing laws. Property owners, especially those who convert homes into HMOs, must follow local rules to keep tenants safe and avoid steep legal penalties.
In summary, the case shows that neglecting housing standards can bring heavy fines and put residents in serious danger.
