A London landlord has been fined over £5,000 after leaving tenants without heating or hot water and ignoring safety rules.

Enfield resident Rosa Giddy, who pleaded guilty, was prosecuted at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with the requirements of an abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

An investigation by Enfield council found that tenants at her HMO in Edmonton were left without heating and hot water because she failed to repair a gas boiler that was defective for approximately one year.

Her neglect not only breached housing regulations, but posed significant health risks to the tenants, particularly during the winter months.

Furthermore, Giddy failed to produce documents required under Section 236(1) of the Housing Act 2004, which requires landlords to supply relevant documentation upon request by an investigating council.

In this case, the landlord did not provide gas and electricity safety certificates when asked by Enfield council. It was this failure that further compounded Giddy’s disregard for compliance and an unwillingness to cooperate with the local authority.

A council spokesperson says: “Despite multiple warnings from the council, the landlord failed to take the necessary actions to remedy the situation, demonstrating a blatant disregard for her legal obligations as a landlord.

“Her actions and inactivity showed a lack of concern for the welfare of her tenants which could have had catastrophic consequences.

“This case is a reminder to all landlords of their legal obligations to address deficiencies in their rented properties, and the importance of adhering to housing standards and regulations.”

The property is no longer operating as an HMO and the landlord will not be considered a ‘Fit and Proper Person’ to hold a licence if they decide to re-let the property.