Landlord Fined for Illegal HMO Conversion
A landlord incurred a £12,000 fine for converting a three‐bed bungalow into an HMO with 15 rooms in Egham, Surrey—a decision rendered by Staines Magistrates’ Court on the local council’s case, where the fine, conversion and court ruling each bind closely in responsibility.
HMO Violations
The property stood altered and unsafe, with the modification showing mould in bathrooms, few smoke alarms and rooms too cramped to meet size rules; inspectors, linking each fault to potential harm, noted that tenants paid high fees while suffering poor facilities and inadequate beds, with the report binding the landlord’s refusal, the warrant for entry and the unsafe state in one dependent chain of neglect. The safety risks in rental spaces, the building’s unsafe shifts and the ensuing council action merge as a warning against disregarding standards.
Conclusion
This case, binding regulatory breach to severe penalty and unsafe dwelling, remains a stark admonition for property investors; those who invest in rental properties must bind strict compliance with legal standards to avoid heavy fines and unsafe conditions, a reminder that safe living and ethical management depend on meeting exact rules.
