Redbridge Council has reprimanded the developer of a building and its landlord for ‘riding roughshod’ over HMO rules and local people and has issued the landlord with a £11,000 fine.

Pellumb Mazreku of 75 Forest Road, Hainault, received the fine after his appeal was turned down by the First Tier Tribunal Property Chamber.

The discovery of the unlicensed HMO came after numerous complaints were made to Redbridge Council about the newly developed buildings on Cranbrook Road (main image). These included claims that the houses had been built to accommodate the developer’s employees and contained multiple tenants.

Overcrowded

During an inspection, it was discovered that the property was occupied by 12 people – eight adults and four children under the age of five – and badly overcrowded.

The Council’s team also found a number of safety hazards, including a lack of fire detectors and fire doors, as well as insufficient refuse bins.

We will not allow developers or substandard landlords to ride roughshod over local people.”

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “I would like to thank our officers for their excellent work in this case, responding to the complaints, issuing the fine, defending the appeal, and ensuring this property developer pays up.

“We will not allow developers or substandard landlords to ride roughshod over local people, and the Council and I are pleased that this fine has been upheld.”

He adds: “The Council works with landlords and developers to resolve issues where possible. However, the Council will issue fines if landlords fail to comply with their legal responsibilities. If enforcement action reaches the courts or a tribunal, it enters the public domain.

“Most cases are resolved through cooperation, but where landlords ignore their legal and moral responsibilities, the Council will pursue formal enforcement. Tribunal outcomes serve as a public record of our enforcement work, and a reminder that rogue landlords cannot hide from our housing standards team.”