HMO Landlord Fined £43,000 by Wandsworth Council for Planning Breach
Wandsworth Council fined a well-known landlord. Charles Margulies runs his firm BMR Hemini Ltd. His firm broke planning rules. The council set a fine of £43,000 for the violation.
Background to the Case
Charles Margulies owns over 200 rental properties in London. He buys houses and converts them into HMOs. In 2022, his company bought a house in Putney. His firm then added an extension without asking for planning permission. Neighbors saw the new work and complained to the council. The firm later sent in a planning form. The council did not accept the form. They then sent an order to remove the extra room.
Persistent Non-Compliance
Margulies’s firm did not stop renting the house even after the order. They tried to argue that removing the extension was not possible with tenants in place. The government inspector did not support this claim. The council then charged the landlord under the Town and Country Planning Act. The case shows how landlords must meet local planning rules.
Simon Hogg, the leader of Wandsworth Council, said the landlord ignored community rules. He made it clear that the firm put rent before rules. The council works hard to keep planning rules in place to protect local residents.
Court Proceedings and Consequences
On 24th March 2025, the Wimbledon Magistrates Court made its decision. The court fined £16,000 against Margulies and his firm. The council also charged £23,554 for legal costs. A victim charge of £3,600 was added to the fine. The case shows that breaking planning rules can cost a lot. Simon Hogg said, "All of the actions from this landlord clearly show that they cared more about rental income than following the rules." The fine reminds all landlords to follow local planning laws.
Implications for HMO Landlords
This case warns HMO landlords and property investors who want to work in this field. The rental market now sees more checks on planning rules and tenants’ rights. The case with Margulies shows that breaking the law may bring heavy costs. Landlords should study planning rules and local policies. This care can protect them from fines and extra legal fees.
Summary
The case with Charles Margulies shows the cost of ignoring planning regulations in the HMO field. A £43,000 fine from Wandsworth Council warns all landlords to follow planning rules. With tighter checks on housing, property investors must know the local rules. This knowledge can help them avoid legal and financial troubles.
For more coverage on the latest developments in property and HMO regulations, please see the following sources:
Stay informed and make sure your property projects stick to the legal standards set by local councils.
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.
