Severe Penalty for Landlord over Illegal HMO Conversion in Egham
Meenu Jetwani, a 53-year-old landlord from Egham in Surrey, has been fined £12,000. She was found guilty of changing a three-bedroom bungalow into an HMO with 15 rooms. The case made news this week and shows key problems in renting homes. It raises issues about safety and the well-being of tenants.
Details of the Conversion
The work happened on St Pauls Road. Council inspectors came and found very poor living conditions. Jetwani accepted 10 charges for the illegal changes made to the bungalow. The home was squeezed into many small rooms, and local officials called the state "appalling."
Inspectors found many breaks in health and safety rules. They saw mould in a bathroom, too few smoke alarms, and small rooms built in the loft. One had to crawl in tight paths to reach the loft. The house had one small kitchen and two bathrooms for 15 tenants. These tenants paid between £85 and £125 each week. At times, tenants slept on camp beds in rooms that were smaller than legally allowed.
Council’s Response
Runnymede Borough Council said they had to get a warrant to enter. Jetwani and her brother had blocked entry with threats. A council worker said, "This bungalow was in a very bad state. We do not remember another case where a landlord made so much money from a home in this condition. Lives were at risk when a family home became a source of cash." The court also ordered Jetwani to pay a £2,000 fee for those hurt by her actions.
Broader Implications for HMOs
This case shows problems in the HMO sector. It starts talks on what landlords must do and how to keep tenants safe. HMOs help meet the need for homes in the UK. They also bring worries about crowding and low-quality living spaces. Across the UK, councils have made rules stricter. They now check HMO plans carefully to see how they affect a neighbourhood. Many residents worry when changes may shift a community’s character.
Conclusion
Jetwani’s case reminds us that weak rules can hurt people. It shows the need to follow housing laws so tenants have safe homes. As more investors turn to HMOs for income, they must stick to safety rules. The incident asks owners to manage their homes well as the need for affordable housing grows.
Investors should keep up with current housing rules and best practices. This can help them avoid mistakes like Jetwani’s and keep living spaces safe and fair for all tenants.
For further reading on UK housing laws and related topics, see:
This story shows we must stay alert in housing as law makers work to guard tenant rights and better living conditions for all.
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
