Landlords Fined Nearly £100,000 for Overcrowded Flat Where Fire Claimed Life, Following Ebike Battery Incident

Landlords of Overcrowded HMO Fined Nearly £100,000 Following Fatal Fire Incident

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, the landlords of a crowded flat faced a heavy fine. They pleaded guilty to many law breaches. The fire that ended one life raised safety doubts in HMOs. Neglect of tenant care led to this loss.

Incident Overview

On 5 March 2023, a fire hit Maddocks House in Shadwell. A faulty e-bike battery set the blaze during charging. Mizanur Rahman, 41 years old and a father of two, lost his life. The flat had a permit for three occupants. Up to 23 people lived in the two-bedroom space. The bond between overcrowding and risk was clear.

Court Proceedings

In November 2023, Tower Hamlets charged the owners. The court said they broke many rules and put lives at risk. Recorder Emma Smith ordered a confiscation of £78,049 from Begum and a fine of £10,000. Rahman got a fine of £2,000 and a small confiscation of £1.01. Their only asset was the flat, now valued at £155,000. The court found nine serious offences. Unauthorized living and unsafe space were part of the charges. One tenant described the flat as “like a prison.” An investigation into the fire continues. Several former tenants and battery makers face legal action.

Tenant Living Conditions

Residents gave hard accounts of life in the flat. Nine bunk beds filled the living room. Some slept on the floor. The space fell far short of basic standards. Some tenants were told not to use the flat for official mail to hide rule breaks. One toilet served many residents. Bedbugs and mould spread in the house. Most tenants were from Bangladeshi families. Many balanced university and courier jobs. They paid weekly rents of £90 to £100 in cash. The rental deals were both informal and unfair.

Response from Authorities

London Fire Brigade said the e-bike battery caused the fire. They warned that a poor device brings a high fire risk. In 2023, 11 deaths came from e-bike battery fires across the UK. After Rahman’s death, the coroner asked the government to tighten rules for e-bike batteries and their chargers. An inquest in August 2023 confirmed that Rahman died from heat and smoke. The result shows what poor housing care can cause.

Summary and Considerations for Future Investments

This case shows deep issues with HMO safety and landlord care. People who enter property work, especially with HMOs, must check all laws. They need to care for both money matters and tenant safety. Investment in these properties can yield good returns if one follows the rules. The tragic event stands as a strong sign of what happens when care is absent. For anyone working in property, staying informed and following the law is a key duty for safe living.