Council chief slams landlords who 'take advantage of low housing supply'

An Oxford councillor has accused landlords of taking advantage of the city’s housing shortage to rent out shoddy homes.  

It follows the prosecution of HMO landlord Aslam Javid Dogar who was fined £5,500 for failing to comply with licence conditions at his property in Headington Road (main image).

Dogar, 61, of Lime Walk in Oxford, was found guilty of nine counts of failing to comply with the conditions.

Failures included an inadequate fire alarm system, fire doors that had not been maintained, a lack of guarding on the staircase and landing between the first and second floors, no mechanical ventilation fitted in either kitchen or bathroom, and the property being generally in a poor state of repair.

Alongside the fine, Dogar was ordered to pay costs of £3,678 and a victim surcharge of £2,000 at Oxford Magistrates Court.

Taking advantage

Councillor Linda Smith (main image), cabinet member for housing, says some landlords are taking advantage of the city’s housing shortage to rent out badly maintained properties to multiple occupants.  

“The HMO licensing scheme was introduced to raise standards in the city’s private rental sector and make sure all rented homes are safe for tenants to live in,” says Smith.

“The message to landlords is clear, if you don’t meet your legal obligations to your tenants and keep your properties up to the required standard then the city council will prosecute you.  

“I am pleased by the substantial fine charged in this particular case as it serves as a deterrent to other landlords and serves notice that HMO standards will be upheld.”