Landlord fined over £70,000 for unlicensed HMOs

A landlord has been handed a total fine of £75,215 for a number of offences, including failing to licence four houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). 

Mr Gunapalan Vamathevan was prosecuted for nine offences at Ealing Magistrates' Court on August 6. 

The prosecution was brought after an investigation following reports last year that Mr Vamathevan was operating several unlicensed HMOs.

Ealing Council’s regulatory services also found breaches relating to the management of the properties, including dangerous staircases and serious hazards.

Numerous HMO licensing application forms along with warning letters were sent to Vamathevan, but no applications were submitted for the properties. 

Subsequent inspections found that the required works under a number of improvement notices had not been carried out and the prohibition orders had been breached.

Ealing Council says it takes a robust approach to offences of this nature and therefore prosecuted Vamathevan for failing to manage properties and failing to comply with the notices served.

The landlord eventually submitted HMO licence applications for his properties, although this took place after the prosecution had already begun. 

Cllr Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for safety, culture and community services, said: “This case is a significant result against an unscrupulous landlord who has previously been prosecuted by the council for his disregard of licensing regulations.”

“We make every effort to ensure residents in our borough are well protected and have decent living standards. We take a tough line against anyone who deliberately flouts the law and Mr Vamathevan has quite rightly been given a very heavy penalty for his prolonged and intentional illegal behaviour.”