Camden Landlord Fined £12,500 for “Unsafe and Unlicensed” Property
A Camden landlord has been fined £12,500 after Camden Council discovered serious safety breaches and an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at a property in Kilburn. [fia.uk.com]
Unsafe Living Conditions Uncovered
Council enforcement officers inspected the Belsize Road property in May 2025, where they found five unrelated tenants sharing the home—meeting the legal threshold for an HMO licence, which the landlord had failed to obtain. [fia.uk.com]
The inspection also revealed multiple fire and safety hazards, including:
- No carbon monoxide alarm
- Blocked fire escape route
- Inadequate fire‑resistant doors to the flat entrance, kitchen, and bedrooms
- Significant disrepair and mould in the bathroom
These conditions posed direct risks to tenant safety and breached several regulatory requirements under the Housing Act 2004. [fia.uk.com]
Court Proceedings and Penalties
Landlord Benjamin George Wilson, of Fitzjohn Avenue in Barnet, did not attend Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2026. He was found guilty in his absence of five offences relating to operating an unlicensed HMO and failing to meet statutory safety and maintenance standards. [fia.uk.com]
Wilson was ordered to pay £15,872 in total, comprising:
- £12,500 in fines (£2,500 per offence)
- £2,000 surcharge
- £1,372 prosecution costs
Council Response
Councillor Sagal Abdi‑Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, condemned the landlord’s actions, stating that he had profited from “dangerous conditions” while ignoring clear legal obligations. She emphasised that Camden Council “will not hesitate to take action against landlords who fail to meet important safety and management standards,” particularly given that over a third of Camden households are privately rented. [fia.uk.com]
Support and Reporting Concerns
Camden Council encourages tenants living in properties that may require an HMO licence to report concerns through its online enquiry services.
