Landlord Fined £12,000 for Illegal Conversion of Bungalow into 15-Room HMO in Egham
In this case, rules broke. Meenu Jetwani, 53, known as Mona to many, changed a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room house. The change made the living space unsafe. The court at Staines Magistrates’ Court set a fine of £12,000 after Runnymede Borough Council took action.
Shocking Living Conditions
The council called the state of the bungalow appalling. Inspectors saw mould on the bathroom floor. They noted a lack of proper smoke alarms. They found small spaces in the loft and eaves that forced tenants to crawl. Inside, the property had one small kitchen and only two bathrooms. Tenants paid between £85 and £125 per week and slept on camp beds. The rooms did not meet minimum legal standards, and trash covered the garden.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Jetwani faced ten charges for the illegal change. Council officers said she did not follow their orders. She and her brother clashed with the officers. One claim said they planned an act involving a baby to make inspectors step back. The claim raised fears about the safety of tenants and the local community. In the end, she paid the fine plus a £2,000 victim fee that added to the price of breaking the rules.
Council Reactions and Broader Implications
The council said it could not believe how far she went to try to profit from the unsafe property. A council representative said, "This bungalow was in a very bad state. Our staff does not recall another case where a landlord tried to gain from an unsafe change." The statement stressed that the living conditions hurt the health of those who stayed there. Landlords must watch over their duty of care.
This matter gives property investors a warning when working in the HMO market. Investors must follow local rules and keep up health and safety checks. This work helps keep living conditions safe and respects tenant rights.
Conclusion
The case of Meenu Jetwani warns landlords of the weight of housing laws. The reaction by Runnymede Borough Council shows that rules exist to keep living areas safe. Property investors, especially in HMOs, should follow local rules to avoid similar penalties.
For more insights and updates on housing rules, safety checks, and market trends, keep an eye on trusted news sites and local council pages.
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