A Bangladeshi Couple who rented out a severely overcrowded flat in east London, where a fire caused by an e-bike battery led to a tenant’s death, have been fined over £90,000.

Mizanur Rahman, a 41-year-old father of two, died from smoke inhalation after the blaze broke out in the early hours of March 5, 2023, at Maddocks House, Shadwell.

Landlords Sofina Begum, 52, and Aminur Rahman, 55, both from Wapping, had previously admitted to nine housing offences. However, Judge Emma Smith at Snaresbrook Crown Court emphasized that their sentencing was based on these housing violations rather than the fatality or the fire.

On Thursday, the judge fined Begum £10,000, ordered her to pay £2,000 in prosecution costs, and imposed a confiscation order of £78,049. Rahman, who was described as having "no means," was fined £2,000 and given a confiscation order of £1.10.

The court was informed that the couple’s only asset was the Maddocks House property, valued at £155,000.

Judge Smith stated: “I am satisfied that both of you were equally involved in the criminal activity and shared the financial benefits… You demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the wellbeing of your tenants.”

Although the property was licensed for just three people from two households, it was found to have been occupied by 23 people.

Prosecutor Gemma Gillett, representing Tower Hamlets Council, described the flat as “grossly overcrowded” for an extended period, with some tenants paying around £90 per week to share beds or sleep on the floor. The two-bedroom ex-council flat contained 18 beds, including bunk beds.

The London Fire Brigade determined that the fire was caused by a faulty lithium-ion e-bike battery that was charging at the time. Investigations are still ongoing, and a civil case has been initiated.

Tenants were allegedly instructed not to use the flat as their postal address to avoid drawing attention to the overcrowding. Following the fire, Rahman initially claimed he had only rented the property to two people and was unaware of the additional occupants. However, a resident later confirmed paying rent directly to him.

Begum, who held the property’s license, pleaded guilty to six offences, including knowingly allowing unlicensed occupation, failing to comply with license conditions, and ignoring license notice requirements. Rahman, who managed the rent collection and property oversight, admitted to three related offences.

The landlords neglected essential safety requirements, failing to conduct regular inspections, provide a valid gas safety certificate, or submit necessary management documents.

Judge Smith also noted that a month after the fire, Begum applied for an extension of the lost space, failing to mention the fire or the fact that the flat was uninhabitable, instead claiming she was living there and that it was overcrowded.

Tower Hamlets Executive Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, condemned the couple’s actions, stating: “It is unacceptable that some landlords continue to exploit tenants, flout safety regulations, and endanger lives.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mizanur Rahman, who tragically lost his life in the fire caused by a faulty e-bike battery.

“We are cracking down on rogue landlords in our borough, and this prosecution sends a clear message: we will not tolerate landlords who put profits over people’s safety. We urge other local authorities to do the same.”

He also welcomed the Government’s commitment to introducing new measures to protect renters across the country.