Rogue landlady who broke ‘every rule in the book’ is fined £14,500 by council

A rogue landlord who lied about letting out a filthy and unlicensed HMO has been fined £14,500.

Lateef Bibi, of Oldway Lane, Slough, was taking cash in hand for the rent, had no tenancy agreements, and could not produce electrical and gas safety certificates for the property at 60, Richmond Crescent (pictured).

Slough Council’s housing team got a warrant to search the property in January, following a tip-off. Only a few weeks before, Bibi had told officers over the phone that it was not rented but was owner-occupied. However, during the search, they discovered she had converted it into seven bedrooms and was operating an unlicensed HMO. 

The property was found to have external padlocks on bedroom doors, poor bathroom and kitchen facilities with missing base units, rat droppings around the kitchen cupboards, cracked floor tiles and no fire door or adequate fire safety. Communal areas and bedrooms were damp and mouldy, while the small rear garden was full of old, rotten furniture. 

Poor state

Bibi was subsequently refused an HMO licence due to the property’s poor state and advised to appoint a managing agent. She admitted six housing offences at Reading Magistrates Court where she was also told to pay a £190 victim surcharge and £2,950 costs.  

Councillor Pavitar K Mann (pictured), lead member for housing and planning, says the prosecution is a positive result for the council and proves the need for landlord licences.

She adds: “It also shows the council’s commitment to investigating rogue landlords to ensure residents in private rented accommodation are safe and secure in their homes and landlords are held accountable.”