Edgware Landlord Crammed 18 People into Three-Bedroom House

This house was in Fairmead Crescent. It started as a normal three-bedroom home; someone changed it into eight small bedsits. The owner did not have a proper license.

Neighbors complained about the noise and reported bad behavior and lots of people. Inspectors and police checked out the house, finding really extreme overcrowding.

One room housed six people, even babies. Another small room was only 7.8 square meters, where two tenants lived. The officers also saw the back garden, full of waste, mattresses, and junk.

The garden also held a separate kitchen. The whole property had disrepair, and the building lacked needed safety measures. A fire alarm system was inadequate, making escape in a fire impossible.

The council said Charles Egbiremolen was guilty. The court found him guilty on November 25 for committing nine offenses against the law.

These included lacking a license, management and safety violations, and not giving data to the council. The judge said Egbiremolen ignored rules.

On February 5, the landlord had to pay fines and costs totaling £37,000. The judge called him a “rogue landlord”.

A council person said resident safety matters and Barnet won’t accept rule-breaking landlords. Landlords must follow laws, and tenants’ safety is also a must.

Landlords must license or manage houses legally because disrepair can bring problems. They could face prosecution or fines, and each offense could cost £30,000.

The council noted convicted landlords may lose standing and might not manage licensed HMOs. This applies to all neighborhoods.