Landlord Fined for Illegal Conversion of Bungalow into House of Multiple Occupation
A landlord got a fine of £12,000.
He changed a three-bed bungalow.
His act made a 15-room HMO in Egham, Surrey.
The local council pressed charges.
Details of the Case
A man of 53 years old faced ten charges.
The case went to Staines Magistrates’ Court.
Council staff saw many flaws in the house.
They found mould in one bath.
They saw missing smoke alarms.
They saw small rooms in the loft and eaves.
They saw that tenants had to crawl to get in.
They saw only one small kitchen and two baths.
Some tenants slept on camp beds.
Council’s Response
Council called the home "appalling."
Council felt deep worry.
Council said the man tried to gain money at a cost.
They saw that no room was large enough by law.
They saw piles of waste in the garden.
Council needed a warrant to step inside.
The man and another did not let them in fast.
This raised more worry for the tenants.
Legal and Financial Implications
The man got a fine.
He paid a £2,000 victim charge too.
The case shows local law steps in.
Laws keep homes safe.
Laws keep homes fair.
Context of HMO Regulations
HMO rules are strict in the UK.
Rules keep homes safe and clean.
Rules help people who need care.
Rules prevent wrong housing acts.
Landlords must follow the law.
They risk fines if they do not.
They risk harm to the tenants.
Conclusion
This case shows that law must be followed.
The rent market grows fast.
Rules keep tenants safe.
Landlords must know the law.
They must give safe, proper homes.
