Tenant posing as landlord fined £4,000 for creating ...

A tenant posing as a landlord converted two bedrooms in a flat into four bedsits, putting residents at risk.

The fake landlord was discovered when he advertised the bedsits to let online.

Council enforcement officers decided to take action against Nusret Tekinalp, of Electric Parade in George Lane, South Woodford, after the tenant was found to be operating the HMO without a licence.

Licensing is mandatory for all HMOs in Redbridge, along with the 79% of the private rental sector covered by the council’s selective licensing scheme.

During a joint investigation with the London Fire Brigade, the unlicensed bedsits were found to be a serious danger as virtually no fire safety measures were in place to protect tenants.

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “It is appalling that Mr Tekinalp has prioritised financial profit above the safety of tenants and operating under the law.

“By selfishly pursuing his own profit, he has placed vulnerable people at risk of death by allowing them live in hazardous conditions.

“We are serious and determined about improving standards in the private rented sector and we will continue to knock on the door of all suspected HMOs and unlicensed properties to root out rogue operators and ensure they feel the full force of the law.”

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