Tower Hamlets landlord dueo Aminur Rahman and Sofina Begum have been hit with a fine of over £90,000 for allowing their rental property to become overcrowded and being non-compliant on many levels.

This included failing to comply with licensing conditions, not conducting required inspections, lacking a valid gas safety certificate, and failing to provide the council with requested documentation.

During a court hearing, the local council revealed how up to 23 people had been found in the two-bedroom rental flat on the fourth floor of Maddocks House in East London (pictured).

The overcrowding only came to light after one of their tenants, Mizanur Rahman, died in hospital following the blaze in the tower block caused by a faulty e-bike battery in March 2023.

Financial gain

Judge Emma Smith said both defendants showed a “blatant disregard to the law and welfare of the occupants”, adding that the defendants’ only concern was for their “own financial gain”.

The pair admitted the offences and Sofina Begum was ordered to pay a fine of £10,000 and £2,000 in prosecution costs as well as a victim surcharge of £2,000. She was also told to pay a confiscation order of £78,049

Aminur Rahman was ordered to pay a fine of £2,000 and the victim surcharge of £800 as well as a confiscation order of £1.

The property has now been repossessed by the bank.

It is completely unacceptable that some landlords continue to exploit tenants by allowing overcrowding.”

The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “It is completely unacceptable that some landlords continue to exploit tenants by allowing overcrowding, flouting essential safety regulations, and putting people’s lives at risk.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Mizanur Rahman, who tragically lost his life in the fire, caused by a faulty e-bike battery, at Maddocks House, and with all those affected by this devastating incident.

Pic courtesy of Google Streetview