Landlord Fined Over Dangerous Conversion of Egham Bungalow into 15-Room HMO
In a notable case that drew notice to housing rules in the United Kingdom, a landlord got a fine of £12,000. She made an illegal change of a three-bedroom bungalow into a 15-room house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Egham, Surrey. The case shows a strong focus on rental houses and a need to follow safety rules.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Meenu Jetwani, 53, known also as Mona, pleaded guilty to ten charges. The charges focused on the unsafe state of her changed home on St Pauls Road. Staines Magistrates’ Court set the penalty on Wednesday. The case began with a report from Runnymede Borough Council.
The council showed deep worry for the bungalow’s state. They said the home was in poor shape and its living conditions put tenants at risk.
Conditions Found at the Property
Inspectors from Runnymede Borough Council’s health team found many faults. Mould was in the bathroom. Few smoke alarms were in place. Some rooms lay in small loft or eaves spaces and could be reached only by crawling. These facts raised many safety issues.
Tenants paid weekly rents from £85 to £125. They sometimes slept on small camp beds. No room met the legal size rules. The garden had a large pile of trash that worsened the unsanitary state.
Police needed a warrant to enter the property. When inspectors met Jetwani and her brother, both grew upset. They threatened to make a child vulnerable to stop the entry.
Statement from Runnymede Borough Council
A council representative said, "This bungalow was in a poor condition. Our health staff have not seen a landlord try to gain so much money. Lives were put at risk, and a family home became a money-making tool." Jetwani must also pay a £2,000 victim charge.
Implications for Property Investors
This case reminds property investors to follow the rules when running HMOs. The fine on Jetwani shows that any breaking of housing rules leads to heavy penalties. Landlords must keep their homes safe and fit for life.
Investors must know the rules for managing rental homes that serve many people. Properties need proper safety features, regular care, and secure conditions. This care helps keep tenants safe and protects the owner’s money.
Conclusion
The fine on Meenu Jetwani shows the high cost of ignoring safety rules in rental homes. With the rise in HMOs, it is important to follow local law. Property owners must check their homes to avoid rule breaches. This way, they keep tenants safe and protect their investment.
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With housing rules changing, landlords and investors must stay informed and meet the law.
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.
