Agent fined for breaching HMO licensing conditions
A lettings agent who let a tiny room behind a kitchen in a property in London has been fined for breaching HMO licensing conditions.
Viviane Almieda of Park Royal, who ran My London Services Ltd., pleaded guilty to breaching HMO licensing conditions, including failing to comply with Brent council’s amenity and space standards as well as obstructing the council’s investigation.
She ignored warnings from enforcement officers that a room behind the kitchen was not safe to rent out because it was a fire hazard.
The room in a converted three bedroom property in Harlesden also measured less than 6.5 square metres – the minimum legal requirement for a single bedroom.
Almieda was handed a £30,000 fine plus £2,090 in court costs and a £170 victim surcharge.
A spokeswoman for Brent council says: “Housing tenants in rooms that are too small and hazardous to fire risks is illegal. There’s no excuse for it. Landlords, agencies or subletters who exploit tenants will pay heavily in court.”
If you have any comments, please email the author of this article and click on the link above