A landlord has been convicted and fined a total of £5,700, including costs, for keeping a house in a dangerous and dirty condition for tenants. A £15 victim surcharge was also imposed.

Greenwich Magistrates Court’s decided that Janet Osei, the landlord of the house in Abbey Wood, had failed to maintain the private property to the standard required by The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Management) (England) Regulations 2006.

The court heard that during a visit by a Council Environmental Health Officer to the property on 11 February 2009, the bottom tread to the main staircase (which formed the fire escape exit) was broken and defective and the carpet was filthy.

In addition, only one light bulb out of four in the kitchen was working and the bath, WC and wash basin were left in a very dirty condition.

The court heard that, despite informal requests for the property to be brought up to an acceptable standard, the landlord failed to address the problems which were brought to her attention.

Details of the number of offences included:
Failure to display, in a prominent position in the house in multiple occupation, the name, address and telephone number of the manager.

The means of escape in case of fire was not maintained in good order and repair.

The common parts of the property were not maintained in good and clean decorative repair and maintained in a safe and working condition.

The manager unreasonably caused the gas and electricity supply to be interrupted.

Failure to supply to the Council with a copy of the latest gas appliance test certificate within seven days of receiving requests in writing.

Failure to supply to the Council with a copy of the latest fixed electrical installation test certificate within seven days of receiving requests in writing.

The Council is now following up this case to ensure that the necessary repair works are carried out and satisfactory management arrangements are put in place.

Cllr Maureen O’Mara, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services said: “Private tenants have a right to live in properties which are clean, warm and safe. It is wrong for private landlords to expect to make a living from sub-standard and dangerous properties.

“We take our enforcement responsibilities in this area very seriously and Greenwich Council will not tolerate the small minority of private landlords who let out their properties in an unsafe or unhealthy condition.”