A dodgy landlord and his agency were fined nearly £50,000 for overcrowding and fire safety issues in two rental properties in Camden. Alvaro Odeh-Torro and his company, London Living Group, provided false information to the council about rent receipts and were convicted of eight offences under the Housing Act for the violations in the houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Camden Council inspectors discovered the violations after receiving information about Odeh-Torro and his company’s management of the properties. They found that there were more households living in the properties than allowed by the HMO license. Additionally, faulty fire doors were identified as well as someone living in an undersized room against the license regulations.
This is not the first time Odeh-Torro has been involved in such offenses, as the council had previously taken action against other companies he was associated with for similar violations. Despite the majority of landlords being law-abiding citizens, there is a minority that disregards the safety and well-being of their tenants while exploiting them.
Cllr Sagal Abdi-Wali, Camden Council’s cabinet member for better homes, emphasized the importance of ensuring that residents living in rental properties have safe and properly regulated homes. The council’s Private Sector Housing service is dedicated to improving standards in the private housing sector, supporting tenants in taking action against violations, and assisting good landlords in running successful businesses.
Landlords and letting agents are encouraged to work with the council to receive advice and support in meeting their obligations to provide safe and suitable housing for tenants. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of residents in rental properties to create a fair and regulated housing environment for all.
