Three landlords operating unlicensed HMOs have been collectively fined £452,796 for breaches under the Housing Act 2004. 

The convictions, secured by West Northamptonshire council, involve eight unlicensed properties across Northampton, including serious fire safety failings, inadequate tenant information, and poor property maintenance.

The investigation began when council officers entered the properties under a Housing Warrant in November 2019 to gather evidence of the offences.

Fast forward to last week when at Northampton Magistrates Court, District Judge highlighted Faiz Hameed of Pitsford as the “controlling mind” in the enterprise. 

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

He received a fine of £312,000, along with a contribution of £23,250 towards WNC’s investigation costs and a victim surcharge of £181. 

In addition, Ahmed Saeed, based in Northampton, was fined £34,000, with an additional contribution of £13,675 to investigation costs and a £181 victim surcharge and Victoria Cebotari, also of Northampton, was fined £60,000, with £9,328 towards costs and a £181 victim surcharge.

A council spokesperson says: “This case sends a strong message to landlords who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk … We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who disregard the law.”