Press Release

LANDLORD GUILTY OF PROVIDING POOR LIVING CONDITIONS

14 November 2006

Camden Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord for failing to improve sub standard living conditions and fire safety measures in a premises rented to tenants.

Mr Avigdor Brinner and his company Palmlane Estates Limited were convicted (pleaded guilty) under Section 376 of the Housing Act 1985 last week (9 November 2006).  He was prosecuted by the council for not complying with statutory notices that required him to make the premises fit for the number of occupants, and to remedy neglect of management. The case was heard at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, in relation to two properties in Kilburn. 

Mr Brinner was fined £2,000 plus costs of £820 for four convictions for 11 Quex Road, NW6. Palmlane Estates Limited was fined £2,000 plus £820 costs for four convictions for 11 Quex Road, NW6 and  £1,500 plus £750 costs for two convictions for 9 Quex Road, NW6. 

Camden Council’s environmental health officers inspected both houses on several occasions, serving notices to the landlord to carry out work to improve safety and living conditions.  But despite repeated warnings and visits to check progress over two years, this was not done.  In the meantime, the freeholds of the properties were sold – to a company with the same directors as before.  

9 Quex Road was found to have no automatic fire detection and emergency lighting system, plus inadequate fire separation between the basement and the ground floor parts of the property.  The landlords were also told to make a range of improvements to the living conditions including better bathroom, toilet, lighting and kitchen facilities to meet Camden Council’s minimum standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation. 

There were similar problems at 11 Quex Road, where environmental health officers found no means of escape if there was a fire.  Improvements were also needed to living conditions including new kitchen facilities, lighting and bathrooms, as well as extensive repair works and cleaning.  Both properties are three-storey buildings with 10 lettable rooms and shared facilities, rented to private tenants.

In court, the judge stated that these were serious matters and that the company had been fully aware of the works that were needed to the properties for a long time. 

Cllr Mike Greene, Executive Member for Environment, Camden Council said:

“This successful prosecution sends out a clear message to all private landlords in Camden that they cannot flout the law, nor escape their responsibilities. Camden Council will take action to improve the living conditions of anyone staying in these properties and bad landlords will not be tolerated.”