Landlords Ordered to Pay Substantial Fines for HMO Offences

Fines have been issued to three landlords who managed eight houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) that were both unlicensed and unsafe, following convictions for numerous deficiencies. The individuals convicted, Faiz Hameed, Victoria Cebotari, and Ahmed Saeed, were found responsible for issues such as significant fire safety breaches, insufficient information provided to tenants, and substandard property upkeep. According to WNC council, an inquiry was initiated in 2019 after safety concerns were raised regarding properties situated in Obelisk Rise, Aynho Crescent, Hinton Road, Chalcombe Avenue, Kingsland Avenue, and Culworth Crescent. Councillor Rosie Herring, the Cabinet Member for Housing, commented: “This case sends a strong message to landlords who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk.” During proceedings at Northampton Magistrates Court on 31 October, a district judge identified Faiz Hameed, 58, of Pitsford, as the “controlling mind” behind the operation. Hameed received a fine totaling £312,000, in addition to being ordered to contribute £23,250 towards WNC’s investigation costs and pay a victim surcharge of £181. He was determined to have ignored fundamental housing standards, thereby jeopardizing tenants through insufficient licensing, breaches of fire safety regulations, and inadequate upkeep. Victoria Cebotari, 40, residing at Iknield Drive, Northampton, admitted guilt and was penalized with a total fine of £60,000, along with £9,328 for costs and a £181 victim surcharge. Ahmed Saeed, 55, from Dixon Road, Northampton, also faced a fine of £34,000, an extra £13,675 contribution towards costs, and a £181 victim surcharge, having pleaded guilty to non-compliance with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation regulations. The council’s private sector housing team obtained these convictions, acting under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004. Councillor Herring further stated: “Our private sector housing team has worked tirelessly to ensure tenants have access to safe, secure, and compliant homes, and these penalties reflect the severity of the offences committed. “We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who disregard the law.”