A landlord from Romford has been ordered to pay an amount totalling £33,689.79 after repeatedly breaching licensing rules and defying two Prohibition Orders issued against him.
The case was brought forward by Havering Council under the Proceeds of Crime Act, highlighting the authority’s determination to hold landlords accountable for serious housing offences.
Proceedings were heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the judge made it clear that non-compliance with housing regulations would not be taken lightly.
The ruling stated that Shamsul Huda must pay the penalty in full or serve two years in prison if he fails to do so.
This latest penalty is just one part of Huda’s long history of breaking housing laws, with several prior breaches already recorded against him.
Earlier in the year, Huda had appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court where he admitted failing to obtain the correct House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence for the property in question.
For this offence, he was fined £5,000, ordered to pay a £500 victim surcharge, and faced legal costs amounting to £14,294.21.
These penalties come on top of previous enforcement action taken by Havering Council, which has included the issuing of Civil Penalties for past violations.
In 2022, the council also pursued a criminal prosecution against Huda for further breaches, cementing his status as a repeat offender in the eyes of local authorities.
A spokesperson for Havering Council emphasised that residents have the right to live in homes that are safe, secure, and properly maintained.
They stressed the council’s ongoing commitment to taking action against landlords who neglect their responsibilities and allow substandard housing conditions to persist.
The spokesperson made it clear that HMO landlords who fail to obtain the necessary licences, or who breach the conditions of those licences, will face strong enforcement measures.
They also highlighted that poorly maintained properties not only put tenants at risk but can also have a negative impact on the wider community.
The case serves as a reminder that licensing rules exist to protect tenants, and local authorities are willing to use every legal tool available to uphold housing standards.
As demonstrated in this ruling, the council will not hesitate to take the toughest action possible against those who exploit tenants and flout the law.