Landlord Fined for Dangerous 15-Room HMO Conversion in Egham
On 28 November 2024, in Egham, Surrey, a landlord got into trouble. She changed a simple three-bedroom bungalow into a disorderly 15-room HMO.
Meenu Jetwani, age 53, also known as Mona, faced ten charges. She admitted each charge for her risky change.
The Court’s Decision
Staines Magistrates’ Court fined Jetwani £12,000. The council acted to protect resident safety. A council member said, "People’s lives risk harm from these conditions."
Jetwani was hit with a £2,000 victim fee for not following housing rules.
Appalling Living Conditions
Inspectors reported that the place was not fit. They found mould on the bathroom floor and weak smoke alarms. Rooms were set up so badly that some tenants had to crawl to enter.
One small kitchen and two bathrooms served the whole home. Many residents slept on camp beds.
Rent for the HMO ran between £85 and £125 per week. This fee was high for such poor conditions. Inspectors noted that no room met legal size standards. They also saw heaps of rubbish in the garden. These issues show a clear neglect of health rules.
Council Intervention
Inspection showed a property that was not fit for use. Council officers had to get a warrant to enter. Jetwani and her brother fought the check with strong resistance.
A council spokesman said that Jetwani went to the extreme. She even threatened to undress a baby to stop the officers. This act shows how far some will go to avoid scrutiny.
This case shows a bad trend in the rental market. Many landlords put money far above tenant care. Such problems are not rare. Councils across the UK now face more complaints about unsafe HMO spaces and act with tighter checks.
The Broader Context
This case has effects that reach beyond Jetwani’s property. In the UK, the need for cheap housing grows each day. More property owners now choose HMOs for profit. Investors must keep in mind the legal rules and duties that come with running these homes.
The demand for HMOs grows when hard times hit low-income families. Some landlords use this need to gain more money. Such moves risk the wellbeing of those who are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
This event warns both current and future HMO investors. Following local rules is a must. It helps avoid heavy fines and protects tenants. Property investment can bring rewards, but it comes with serious duties. With the housing gap still large, every landlord must keep a good standard to protect those who live there.
Sources
- BBC News – Landlord fined over 15-room bungalow conversion
- Runnymede Borough Council – Housing Enforcement
- The Independent – Exploring House in Multiple Occupation risks
Investors should be mindful of the duties tied to renting HMOs. Keeping up with rules helps avoid risks to both tenants and themselves.
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.
