Barnet Council has successfully prosecuted a local landlord for failing to obtain a license for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Girisha Gunaratna of Ranmoor Gardens, Harrow, was recently found guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court and requested to pay £19,506.90 for failing to licence and manage 59A and 61A The Burroughs, Hendon.
This follows last month’s prosecution by Barnet Council of three landlords for failing to obtain a licence for an HMO.
Following a meeting held last November, Mr Gunaratna was advised that a licence was required for the properties. Mr Gunaratna also failed to rectify management issues relating to goods stored in escape routes, faulty self-closing fire doors and not disclosing copies of the current gas and electrical safety certificates.
Despite several warnings, Mr Gunaratna failed to take the appropriate action required. As a result, council enforcement officers were able to present a clear and compelling case to the Magistrates’ Court.
Councillor Gabriel Rozenberg, Chairman of Barnet Council’s Housing Committee, said: “We have zero tolerance for unscrupulous landlords who put their tenants at risk by failing to license HMOs.
“I am pleased that we succeeded in bringing a prosecution against this individual. It will serve as a clear warning to landlords in Barnet who fail to take their responsibilities seriously. We are clamping down on deliberate negligence and will make sure that any cases are dealt with swiftly.
“Our message to tenants facing rogue landlords is simple - we are on your side.”