Landlord Fined for Breaking Rules on Bungalow with 15 Rooms
A landlord broke housing law. He turned a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room home in Egham, Surrey. The change did not follow housing rules for shared homes built for several strangers.
Details of the Case
The landlord admitted his acts. The court in Staines fined him £12,000. Local health teams began the case. They checked the house and found many rule breaks.
Inspectors saw poor living conditions at the house on St Pauls Road. They noted mould in one bathroom and few smoke alarms. Rooms in the loft and under the eaves forced tenants to crawl. The small kitchen and bathroom raised fears for the tenants. Many lived in tight spaces and with few basic items.
Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
The council saw that tenants did not have safe places to live. No room met the minimum space set by the law. Waste filled the garden. Some tenants paid between £85 and £125 a week. The rent gave the landlord a high income, even with low standards.
Investigators faced trouble when they first tried to enter. They had to get a warrant after the landlord and another person refused entry.
Regulatory Context for Investors
This case serves as a warning for buyers of shared homes. Keeping to local housing laws is key to protect tenant safety and to avoid fines or court cases.
Investors in these homes must check every rule. This means looking at space, sanitary needs, fire safety, and overall health of the living areas.
Conclusion
The case in Egham shows the weight of managing a property. Many people now choose shared living spaces, and proper rules help keep homes safe and fair. Property buyers must know local housing laws and follow them well. This act of care helps both tenants and the long-term strength of the property market.
