Luton landlord fined over lack of paperwork for after investigation into fire safety breaches

Mrs Fathima Syeda Kauser of Icknield Way pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates Court to the charge of not producing documents required under section 235 of the Housing Act 2004 with regard to 180 Leagrave Road, Luton, which she managed.

The court heard that Kauser had been a letting agent trading as Switch Home. Council inspectors found 15 breaches of the management regulations when they visited the property and the Fire Service placed a prohibition order on the property for reasons of safety. Despite repeated requests for the documents, Luton Borough Council says very few if any, were forthcoming.

The court fined Kauser £1,200. With added costs and a victim surcharge the total amount payable was £1,590. It was agreed that a payment of £250 would be made per month until the fine was paid in full.

The defendant was advised that she now had a criminal conviction which she may have to declare in certain circumstances.

Councillor Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for housing, said: “A fine for not having the correct documents may seem trivial. It is not. When landlords are sloppy and reluctant or unable to produce the necessary paperwork, it is highly likely they are trying to hide illegal activity of some sort.

“Where illegal activity is present, whatever it is, tenants’ safety comes into question. As a council we are totally committed to stamping it out in our housing stock and will always prosecute any individual where they are disobeying the law designed to protect those in that market.”

In partnership with the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue service, Bedfordshire Police, the Luton Law Centre and the Luton Citizens Advice Bureau the council operates the Rogue Landlord Project, an initiative to help ensure properties in Luton are maintained to a good standard.

If you suspect a property is an illegal HMO, 'bed in a shed' or an empty home, you can call: HMOs: phone 01582 547222 or email [email protected]; beds in sheds: phone 01582 548890 and leave a message or email [email protected]; empty homes: phone 01582 546370 or email [email protected]