Reading landlord fined £20k

Reading landlord, Hafiz Mohammed Gulfraz, has been fined £20,000 following a successful prosecution lead by Reading Council's Private Sector Housing Team.

Mr Gulfraz was charged with 12 offences relating to an UNLICENSED HMO property on the Oxford Road in Reading.

The prosecution described how the landlord had failed to ensure that the fire alarm and emergency lighting were maintained in good working order and how the tenants had been deprived of their heat and light supplies.

The five tenants living at the house in multiple occupation were believed to be in such 'imminent risk of harm' that the council officers served an emergency prohibition order. 

Alongside the £20,000 fine, Mr Gulfraz was ordered to pay  costs of £3,343 plus a victim surcharge of £120. 

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