Landlords told to pay thousands for HMO offences

Three landlords operating eight unlicensed and unsafe houses of multiple occupation (HMO) have been fined for a string of failings.

Convictions against Faiz Hameed, Victoria Cebotari and Ahmed Saeed included serious fire safety failings, inadequate information for tenants and poor property maintenance.

An investigation began in 2019, following safety concerns about properties in Obelisk Rise, Aynho Crescent, Hinton Road, Chalcombe Avenue, Kingsland Avenue, and Culworth Crescent, WNC council said.

Councillor Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing said: "This case sends a strong message to landlords who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk."

At Northampton Magistrates Court on 31 October, district judge highlighted Faiz Hameed, 58, from Pitsford as the "controlling mind" in the enterprise.

Hameed was handed a fine of £312,000, and must pay a contribution of £23,250 towards WNC’s investigation costs and a victim surcharge of £181.

He was found to have disregarded essential housing standards, endangering tenants through inadequate licensing, fire safety violations, and poor maintenance.

Cebotari, 40, of Iknield Drive, Northampton, pleaded guilty and was fined a total of £60,000, with £9,328 towards costs and a £181 victim surcharge.

Saeed, 55, of Dixon Road, Northampton, was also fined £34,000, with an additional contribution of £13,675 towards costs and a £181 victim surcharge - and pleading guilty to failure to comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation.

The convictions were secured by the council's private sector housing team under the Housing Act 2004.

Councillor Herring added: "Our private sector housing team has worked tirelessly to ensure tenants have access to safe, secure, and compliant homes, and these penalties reflect the severity of the offences committed.

"We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who disregard the law."

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