A landlord and his property management company have been ordered to pay more than £62,000 in fines and costs after being found guilty of operating an unsafe and unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 36 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington and Chelsea. [rbkc.gov.uk], [landlordkn…edge.co.uk]
The property, originally a four-bedroom house, had been converted into a 22-room HMO and was housing tenants in conditions described as posing serious fire, health and safety risks. Following tenant complaints, council inspections uncovered numerous hazards including damaged fire doors, inadequate fire separation, covered fire alarms, dangerous electrical defects, damp and mould, and even mushrooms growing inside the building. [rbkc.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
After a retrial at City of London Magistrates’ Court, Mohammed Rasool and Blackstone Properties Management Ltd were each convicted on eight charges, including operating an unlicensed HMO, breaching HMO management regulations, and failing to comply with an improvement notice. The company was fined £30,000 plus £12,176.68 in prosecution costs, while Rasool received a £20,000 fine. [rbkc.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
Councillor Johnny Thalassites of Kensington and Chelsea Council said the defendants had been given opportunities to rectify the issues but failed to do so, adding that the council would continue taking action against landlords who put tenants at risk. [rbkc.gov.uk], [propertywire.com]
This case serves as a stark reminder that landlords must meet licensing requirements and maintain safe living conditions for tenants. Even in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, authorities have shown they are prepared to pursue enforcement action where serious housing standards are ignored. [thenegotiator.co.uk], [landlordkn…edge.co.uk]
Source: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, July 2026. [rbkc.gov.uk]
