Camden Council has successfully prosecuted the landlord of a property in Kilburn for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and for serious failures in fire safety and property maintenance.

During an inspection of the property on Belsize Road in May last year, council enforcement officers identified five unrelated tenants living at the address, triggering the legal requirement for an HMO licence.

The inspection also revealed multiple fire safety breaches, including the absence of a carbon monoxide alarm, obstructions to the fire escape route, and inadequate fire-resisting doors to the flat entrance, kitchen and bedrooms. In addition, officers found significant disrepair and mould growth in the bathroom, posing further risks to occupant health and safety.

The landlord, Benjamin George Wilson of Fitzjohn Avenue, Barnet, failed to attend Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 8 January. In his absence, the court found him guilty of five offences under the Housing Act 2004, including operating an unlicensed HMO and failing to comply with multiple regulatory requirements under Section 234 of the Act.

Wilson was ordered to pay a total of £15,872, comprising £2,500 for each of the five offences, a £2,000 surcharge, and £1,372 in prosecution costs.

Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet member for better homes at Camden Council, noted: “This landlord profited from residents living in dangerous conditions and failed to comply with clear legislation. I’m pleased that he has been handed this fine thanks to the robust work of our enforcement officers.”

Abdi-Wali continued: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that’s safe and secure. With over one third of households in Camden being privately rented, we will not hesitate to take action against landlords who fail to meet important safety and management standards for our residents.”

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