A landlord has been fined thousands of pounds for letting 13 people live in an unfit two-story home filled with dangerous fire hazards such as the use of electrical heaters and oil-filled radiators.

Following an unannounced inspection on January 31, 2023 after receiving reports that the property was unlicensed, inspectors found that all rooms were being used as bedrooms whilst sharing one bathroom and one separate toilet.

The landlord, Mr Gurung was prosecuted following the visit which was undertaken by officers from the Public Protection Partnership’s Environmental Health Housing Team supported by the Joint Case Management.

Commenting on the case, Damian James Bracknell Forest Council’s Assistant Director for Contract Services said: “We work closely with landlords and support them to meet their legal obligations. However, we do not shy away from taking legal and enforcement action when needed. We hope the outcome of this case sends a strong message to other landlords who breach their duties.”

Occupants living in the property included a young couple with a toddler sharing one bedroom.

An unwell man in his 90s with obvious medical needs was also sharing a room with his elderly wife and a male relative.

The hazards that were spotted as high-risk included multiple electric and oil heaters being used due to no central heating and a poorly built lean-to acting as a communal area.

Rodent droppings were also found on a set of very narrow stairs leading to a loft conversion.

The property was classed as an HMO, which refers to properties where ‘common areas’ are shared by more than one household.

Mr Gurung was penalised £3,000 in total. He was fined £800 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs plus a £200 victim surcharge.