Harlesden: Rogue landlord fined £9k after ignoring pleas to fix north London flat
A rogue landlord will have to fork out thousands after failing to fix heating and ventilation issues in a flat he rented out in north west London.
Kevin McLoughlin ignored notices to improve his property in Harlesden after inspectors from Brent Council visited and gave him a deadline.
The authority visited in August and found ventilation issues, a broken electric heater, and faulty fire control equipment.
The Hertfordshire-based landlord was ordered to make improvements in seven days but when the council returned they found no action had been taken.
A statement said: “Landlords are responsible for ensuring fire safety equipment is properly maintained and in good working order for the safety of residents.
“After a final inspection of the property in September, it was clear that all instructions and notices issued to Mr McLoughlin had been ignored and he had failed to address any of the concerns identified.
“Recognising the severe negligence and risk posed to residents, the council escalated the matter and took McLoughlin to court.”
McLoughlin was found guilty in February and this week he was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £9,212.50.
Councillor Promise Knight, cabinet member for housing, added: “Despite repeated directives, the landlord demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of residents by failing to address any of the hazards identified.
“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live. Rogue landlords in our borough will find themselves facing hefty fines and possibly a criminal conviction. We will use whatever powers we have to hold them to account.”