A Southwark landlord and letting agent have been handed financial penalties for operating an unlicensed private rented property, in a case brought forward by Southwark Council.
Rashidat Adebukola Edekunle-Mohammed, the property owner, and Tunde Coker of Alpha Property Services, were sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14th October, after pleading guilty.
The case involved a property on Havil Street, Camberwell which was rented out to a single family who reported defective heating to the council.
Upon investigation, it was found that the property fell within the council’s selective licensing area and was being rented without the required licence, despite both the landlord and letting agent being notified of the obligation to license the property.
LICENSE REQUIREMENT
All private-rented single-household properties within a designated area of the borough are required to be licensed.
The court ordered Edekunle-Mohammed to pay a total of £1,128 in fines and costs, while Coker was fined £2,256. Both amounts were reduced due to their early guilty pleas.
HOLDING AGENTS ACCOUNTABLE
Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Neighbourhoods, says: “This case demonstrates our commitment to holding landlords and letting agents accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations.
“Licensing ensures that rented properties in Southwark are safe and well-maintained for our residents.
“We will continue to take action against those who put tenants at risk and encourage residents to report unscrupulous landlords.”
