The case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court and Ahmed was sentenced on 9 January 2015 for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The property was found to be poorly managed and unsafe.
The property in High Road, Ilford, was inspected by Redbridge Council following a report that an illegal rear addition conversion had been let for residential purposes. Mr Ahmed was convicted of nineteen separate offences including the property being used as a four storey House in Multiple Occupation without a licence.
Other areas of concern included:
l unlawfully occupied residential basement and loft space
l upper floor poorly constructed as a living and storage area
Councillor Muhammed Javed, Cabinet Member for Housing said, "I am aware of the shortages of housing in the borough and some landlords take advantage of the situation. But we always strive to work positively with our landlords to improve standards.
“Sadly, there are some rogue landlords out there who are illegally renting out unsafe premises to vulnerable tenants and where we identify such unlicensed properties those responsible will be prosecuted and our success rate is extremely high. Tenants must also ensure that they are renting a safe accommodation."
