Successful enforcement for unlicensed HMOs

Enforcement action was taken against a landlord for housing workers in unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

Mr Jayanti Patel, Director of Martlane Ltd, was fined £60,200 for operating 3 HMOs without a licence.

Investigations by Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) found that Mr Patel was housing staff in 3 separate properties across the district. Officers identified 6 offences across the 3 properties including not having the appropriate fire alarms and overcrowding.

Mr Patel has been working closely with the council to ensure his properties now meet housing standards.

Zero-tolerance approach

This case is a record high for EFDC and will help fund further enforcement action to ensure high standards are met within the private housing sector.

It highlights our zero-tolerance approach to landlords who operate unlicensed sub-standard accommodation and sends a clear message that EFDC will take enforcement action where necessary.

However, it could have been avoided if the landlord had taken the proper steps to ensure they had the correct licences, and the properties met the required housing standards from the start.

Councillor Paul Keska, responsible for Regulatory, Technical and Community Safety Services

Report concerns

If you have any concerns about unsafe or overcrowded privately rented accommodation, contact the Private Sector Housing Environmental Health team:

• Email privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
• Call 01992 564348

Find out more

You can find out more about being a landlord and HMOs by visiting our landlords page.