Westminster landlord fined £57k

A Holland Park rental property was described as a "deathtrap" by the judge at Westminster Magistrates Court.

The 1950s four-storey, mid-terraced building at 118 Woodsford Square W14 was let out as six bedsits.

Fire Officers listed a number of safety breaches at the rental flats: 

• no automatic fire detection system.
• no fire safety equipment.
• no smoke seals and fire separation between bedsit rooms.
• no fire doors to some rooms.
• damaged fire doors.
• loose electrical cables.
• no Gas Safety Certificate.
• blocked fire escape. 
• no HMO licence.

In court, the landlord, David Leslie Symonds pleaded guilty to charges under the Housing Act 2004. One offence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, along with a total of 18 breaches of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations. 

David Leslie Symonds was fined £57,000, costs of £3,825 and a victim surcharge of £120. 

The landlord is no longer letting out the property and is looking to sell.

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