Landlord Ilyas Patel has been fined more than £60,000 after Newham Council discovered 13 people from four families living in squalid and ‘unsafe’ conditions in his four-bed unlicensed HMO.

The families, including two children, despite sharing just one kitchen and bathroom had to pay between £600 and £750 each for the mid-terrace property on Altmore Avenue, East Ham.

When environmental Health Officers inspected the property, they found a large group of people from at least four different families all squashed into five rooms. They also discovered a severe mouse infestation.

This prosecution highlights how seriously we take our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of all our residents.”

When the case was brought to Thames Magistrates Court, landlord Patel was found guilty and fined a total of £63,977.19 including costs.

A Newham Council spokesperson said: “This verdict sends a strong message to every landlord and managing agent that overcrowded, unsafe, and unlicensed properties will not be accepted in Newham.

“This prosecution highlights how seriously we take our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of all our residents, ensuring that housing conditions meet legal standards.”

Proactive approach

After the case was concluded, Newham council warned other rogue landlords that its housing team had begun taking a more proactive approach to seeking out hidden HMOs.

It said it is now conducting fortnightly operations with the police, using intelligence to identify and inspect properties that fail to meet licensing requirements covered by its three schemes.

Photos courtesy of Newham Council