Landlord Fined £12,000 for Illegal Conversion of Bungalow into Overcrowded HMO

A landlord in Egham, Surrey broke housing rules. She turned a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room house of multiple occupation. Meenu Jetwani, also called Mona and aged 53, now faces ten charges. A court in Staines set the fine after a case led by Runnymede Borough Council.

Unsafe Living Conditions

Inspectors found the home in a poor state. They noted that the house was unsafe. Mould was seen on the bathroom floor. Smoke alarms were few or did not work well. Some rooms were in the loft and eaves and could be reached only by crawling.

The house had one small kitchen and two bathrooms. Many tenants slept on camp beds. Rent ran from £85 to £125 per week. None of the rooms were big enough to meet legal size rules. Piles of rubbish were scattered in the garden.

Council’s Response

The council had to get a warrant to enter the house. Jetwani and her brother showed anger toward the officers. They even made a threat that involved a child to stop the inspection.

A council spokesperson said, "This bungalow was in a very bad state. Our staff cannot recall a time when a landlord tried to gain this much by putting lives at risk. A family home was used only to profit." The council worked hard to keep tenants safe and make sure homes follow the rules.

Jetwani must pay a £12,000 fine along with a £2,000 surcharge. This case shows that landlords must keep their homes safe and follow the law.

Implications for Landlords and Tenants

Investors in the HMO area must know the law. This case shows what happens when rules are ignored. Landlords should care for their homes and meet the safety rules. This care helps people and stops costly legal problems. At the same time, tenants need to know their rights and look for landlords who follow rules.

Conclusion

Meenu Jetwani’s case is a strong warning. Landlords must seek help when changing a property to keep it legal. Tenants should learn about housing rights and safety rules. This incident reminds us to manage HMOs in a safe and proper way.

For further insights into housing regulations and guidance for landlords and tenants, you can visit Shelter and Gov.uk’s Housing Regulations.

Sources

• BBC News
• Runnymede Borough Council Official Statement
• Gov.uk – Houses in Multiple Occupation
• Shelter – Renting and The Law

When choosing to work with HMOs, it is vital to meet the law and keep a safe and decent home for tenants.