Landlord Fined for Illegally Converting Bungalow into 15-Room House of Multiple Occupation
Egham, Surrey – A case rattles local housing rules. Meenu Jetwani, a landlord called Mona at 53, turns a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room HMO. Staines Magistrates’ Court rules a fine of £12,000 after Runnymede Borough Council pushes charges for severe safety and health issues at the St Pauls Road property in Egham.
Startling Findings by Council Inspectors
Council inspectors find the property in a very poor state. They note mould in the bathrooms and few smoke alarms. They see rooms that feel very tight. Some bedrooms in the loft or eaves need crawling to reach. One small kitchen and two bathrooms serve 15 tenants. Tenants pay between £85 and £125 a week for these bad conditions. A few even sleep on camp beds with few basic items to use.
Legal Actions and the Appropriate Response
When council officers come to inspect, Jetwani and her brother act with anger. They threaten harm and hint at a problem with a child to stop the visit. The council must get a warrant to enter the house. This step helps protect the tenants.
A council spokesperson states, "The living space put lives at risk and turned a home into a cash scheme."
Consequences for the Landlord
Jetwani faces a £12,000 fine and must pay a further £2,000 victim surcharge. This case serves as a lesson for landlords, especially those running HMOs. Landlords must meet room size rules, safety rules, and basic living standards.
Implications for House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Investment
Investors in house shares and HMOs learn from this case. Breaking housing rules can bring heavy fines, damage a landlord’s name, and cause legal troubles. HMO owners need to study local laws to ensure that homes are safe and liveable.
Conclusion
The case against Meenu Jetwani shows the weight of property duties in HMOs. Landlords must put tenant safety at the center and follow the law. As the property market changes, keeping up with new rules helps maintain a sound rental business.
For extra details on housing rules and HMO guidelines in the UK, visit GOV.UK, Shelter, and Runnymede Borough Council.
Sources
- BBC News – Runnymede Borough Council. "Landlord fined over 15-room bungalow conversion."
- Runnymede Borough Council – Environmental Health Regulations.
- Shelter UK – Housing and Welfare Advice.
- GOV.UK – Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) regulations.
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.
