A court has mandated that a landlord pay £37,000 after discovering 18 individuals residing in a terraced house in north London.
Charles Egbiremolen, 57, was running eight bedsits without the necessary license in a converted three-bedroom terraced residence located on Fairmead Crescent, Edgware.
On November 25, Egbiremolen was convicted of nine offenses at Willesden Magistrates’ Court and received his sentence on February 5 at the same venue.
A representative from Barnet Council stressed that they would “not accept landlords who disregard regulations.”
The council’s involvement followed complaints from neighbors regarding excessive noise, antisocial behavior, and overcrowding.
Upon obtaining a warrant, council inspectors and police officers entered the premises and discovered severe overcrowding, with one room accommodating six individuals, including infants.
According to the council, another room measuring 83.9 square feet (7.8 square meters) was being shared by two tenants.
The backyard was cluttered with construction debris, discarded mattresses, and other refuse, and there was a kitchen situated in a separate outbuilding in the garden, reported inspectors.
They also noted that the property was in disrepair, did not meet safety regulations, and lacked a proper fire alarm system or a safe escape route in case of a fire.
Egbiremolen was found guilty of various offenses, which included neglecting to license the property, violations related to management and safety, as well as failing to provide mandatory information to the council.
He was imposed a fine of £15,000, in addition to a £2,000 victim surcharge and a £20,000 contribution to the council’s expenses.
A council spokesperson emphasized that “it is the duty of every landlord to ensure their properties adhere to legal standards and that their tenants are safeguarded.”
