Three rogue landlords have been fined a total of £403,079 for multiple breaches of HMO regulations including licensing as well as for fire safety, tenants’ rights and property maintenance issues.

The offences relate to eight Northampton properties in Talbot Road, Bailiff Street, St Michaels Mount, Robert Street, The Headlands, Chalcombe Avenue, and Spinney Hill Road.

Safety concerns

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Private Sector Housing Team launched an investigation into the landlords in 2019, acting on safety concerns raised by residents.

The investigation led to a Housing Warrant which enabled the Council to inspect the properties, revealing a network of unsafe and unlicensed rental accommodations.

When the case came in front of the District Judge, he identified Khurram Jamil, of Northampton, as the orchestrator of the scheme. He was hit with a £252,000 fine, along with costs of £11,072 (including the investigation), and a victim surcharge of £181.

Of the other two defendants, Tahir Butt, also of Northampton, was fined £54,000, with the same £11,072 costs and £181 victim surcharge.

This was an orchestrated system of neglect for financial gain.”

And Dumitru Sava, also of Northampton, was fined £60,000, with £14,302 in costs and a £181 victim surcharge.

Councillor Rosie Herring, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Housing said after the verdict: “This was an orchestrated system of neglect for financial gain, showing complete disregard for safety and wellbeing.

“While our Housing Team can’t monitor every property, we are committed to taking swift action when we uncover evidence of wrongdoing.

“I encourage anyone with concerns about rental properties to report them through our website so that we can make private renting safer for everyone in West Northamptonshire.”

Read more about big HMO licencing fines.