A slum HMO run by a private landlords in Slough was a fire hazard for its nine unrelated tenants whose only bathroom was a draughty shed in the garden, a court has heard.

When officers visited the property in Knolton Way, Slough, they found that it did not have a working fire alarm system, there was no proper means of escape and no fire doors to the bedrooms.

Where fire doors were fitted, they were in such poor condition that they were unlikely to provide much protection and there was no fireproofing between the floors.

All nine occupants had to share a bathroom in a brick-built shed in the garden (pictured) whose windows and doors didn’t shut properly.

Guilty

The landlord, Hajra Mehmood, was found guilty on the following eight counts but not guilty of one other offence relating to the garden.

• Offence 1 – Failing to licence HMO – £1,000 fine.
• Offence 2 – Failing to show name and address – £500 fine.
• Offences 3 – 6 – Management Regulations (fire safety) – £2,000 fine for each offence.
• Offence 8 – Failing to provide documents – £500 fine.

In total, she must pay fines of £9,000 and costs of £5,556.37.

I am delighted to see the court taking these offences so seriously.”

Councillor, Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “I am delighted to see the court taking these offences so seriously. Tenants deserve to live in conditions which are safe and habitable and there is no excuse for landlords to abandon their legal duties.

“Let this be a warning to others to check they are meeting all their obligations, and if not, take immediate action to avoid appearing in court themselves and facing huge financial penalties.”

Photo: Reading Council.