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A landlord in East London, Shamsul Huda, has been ordered to pay more than £33,000 for illegally housing 18 people in a property that had been declared unsafe. The case brings to light the troubling issue of illegal and dangerous housing, which disproportionately affects immigrant communities across the UK.
Huda, who lived at the property on Fitzilian Avenue in Havering, was found to be operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Havering Council had revoked the property's license in 2021 due to a breach of conditions. Despite being served with two prohibition orders in January 2023 that limited occupancy to ten people and addressed safety hazards, Huda continued to exploit the property for profit.
During a subsequent inspection, authorities discovered that Huda had converted the home into 11 bedrooms and was in the process of subdividing it further. An astonishing 18 people from ten different households were found living in the unsafe and overcrowded conditions.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, a judge ordered Huda to pay £33,689.79 or face two years in prison for breaching the prohibition orders and operating an unlicensed HMO. This follows a previous conviction at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to failing to license the property and was fined £5,000, along with thousands in legal costs.
Havering Council confirmed that Huda has a history of violating the Housing Act, underscoring a pattern of disregard for tenant safety and housing regulations. The case highlights a wider problem, as reports from housing charities and local councils suggest that illegal renting and poor housing conditions are becoming increasingly common, particularly within immigrant communities where new arrivals, often with limited knowledge of their rights, are vulnerable to exploitation. Landlords like Huda take advantage of the high demand for affordable housing, creating cramped, unsanitary, and dangerous living environments.
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, stated, "All our residents deserve to live in safe accommodation... We will continue to crack down on irresponsible landlords taking advantage of families and individuals by providing poorly maintained HMO properties." This case serves as a stern warning to other landlords that councils are prepared to take strong action to protect tenants.
