A slum landlord who was the first in Brent to be fined for being unlicensed has been hauled before the courts again for cramming 16 people into a house that could kill.
Just two months after he was ordered to pay £2,500 for failing to hold a mandatory licence at a property in Cricklewood, Douglas Gerard-Reynolds has been fined for doing the same at a second one in Willesden Green.
Willesden Magistrates Court heard not only did he overcrowd the six-roomed property in Lechmere Road, he also left his tenants exposed to dangerous electric wiring and an unsafe ceiling which could have collapsed.
He was ordered to pay £8,643, which included a £6,500 fine, costs and other charges.
In April he became the first landlord to be fined for failing to have a license for a property in Anson Road, Cricklewood.
At that address his tenants were left with inadequate heating facilities and water leaks.
He was fined £1,000.
Since January 1 this year all properties of multiple occupation in the borough and rental properties located in the Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green wards must be licensed.
Cllr Margaret McLennan, Brent Council’s lead member for housing and development, said: “This is exactly why we introduced the landlord licensing schemes this year - to protect people who rent in Brent.
“This case should serve as a deterrent to any landlords who are dragging their feet when asked to apply for a licence.
“The licensing scheme is vital for the protection of vulnerable tenants, many of whom are unaware of their housing rights”
Related link: Cricklewood slum landlord is first to be fined under Brent Council’s licensing scheme
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