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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Brent landlord fined for second time over HMO

A landlord who was found to have 16 tenants living in just one property in Willesden Green, north London, has been fined for a second time for not obtaining the correct licences from the council.

Douglas Gerard-Reynolds was ordered to pay £8,643, which included a £6,500 fine, costs and other charges, by Willesden Magistrates Court on 23 June 2015.

The fine followed an inspection of the property in Lechmere Road by Brent Council which confirmed that there were 16 tenants living at the property and that it was in a bad condition with dangerous electric wiring and an unsafe ceiling which could have collapsed.

In April this year, Gerard-Reynolds became the first landlord to be fined for failing to have a license for a different property in Cricklewood. From 1 January 2015 all HMO properties in the borough of Brent and rental properties located in the Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green wards must be licensed.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, lead member for housing and development at Brent Council 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."

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