Rogue landlord fined £9,000 for ignoring fire safety improvement notice

A local council has successfully prosecuted a landlord after they failed to make essential fire safety improvements at their rented property in the London Borough of Brent.

Inspectors from Brent Council uncovered a number of safety hazards at a flat in Harlesden, after receiving complaints from a tenant, including issues with the ventilation and a broken electric heater.

Landlord Kevin McLoughlin was subsequently issued an improvement notice in June 2023, requiring him to make essential repairs to the property by August 2023. However, on re-inspection, enforcement officers found that no repairs had been carried out and that the property also had a faulty fire control panel, which posed a “significant risk to residents in the event of a fire”.

It is understood that McLoughlin was ordered to repair the control panel within seven days, which he also failed to do.

As reported by the London Evening Standard, the council eventually took the landlord to court:

“Landlords are responsible for ensuring fire safety equipment is properly maintained and in good working order for the safety of residents.

“After a final inspection of the property in September, it was clear that all instructions and notices issued to Mr McLoughlin had been ignored and he had failed to address any of the concerns identified.

“Recognising the severe negligence and risk posed to residents, the council escalated the matter and took McLoughlin to court,” a statement said.

McLoughlin later pleaded guilty to “failing to comply with the requirements of the improvement notice”. He was ordered to pay a total of £9,212.50 in fines and costs.

Councillor Promise Knight said: “Despite repeated directives, the landlord demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of residents by failing to address any of the hazards identified.

“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live. Rogue landlords in our borough will find themselves facing hefty fines and possibly a criminal conviction. We will use whatever powers we have to hold them to account.”