A mother and her son have been rescued from a perilous garden shed in North West London, where they were living in conditions described as structurally unsafe and a serious fire hazard. The landlord responsible for renting out the converted garage has been hit with a £5,000 fine and an Emergency Prohibition Order, banning any further use of the outbuilding for accommodation.
Discovery of the Hazardous Living Conditions
The alarming situation came to light after members of the public raised concerns, prompting a joint investigation by police and Harrow Council officers. They found the shed, which was never designed or approved for human habitation, had been illegally rented out. The building featured flammable timber cladding, plastic wall finishes, and DIY electrical wiring that posed significant risks.
Multiple Safety Violations Identified
Inspections revealed a catalogue of health and safety failures. There was no smoke alarm installed, no insulation or fixed heating system, and no secure door or window. Damaged electrical sockets and the absence of a proper fire escape route further compounded the dangers, making the structure a severe fire hazard. The living conditions were deemed unacceptable and immediately actionable under housing regulations.
Enforcement Action and Penalties
The landlord faced swift legal consequences for his actions. In addition to the £5,000 Civil Penalty Notice, he was issued an Emergency Prohibition Order to prevent anyone from occupying the outbuilding. The penalties were imposed for failing to declare the outbuilding in connection with a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licence and for providing false information to authorities.
Council and Police Response
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety at Harrow Council, condemned the landlord's behaviour. He stated, "This landlord put lives at risk – and that is simply unacceptable. No one should have to live in unsafe or dangerous conditions. Our officers are cracking down on rogue landlords who put profit before people."
He added, "Thanks to joint work with the police, we've taken swift enforcement action and ensured the mother and child are now in a safe, suitable home – no longer exposed to these appalling conditions. We'll continue to put residents and their safety first and bring the law onto anyone else who thinks they can flout the law."
Outcome for the Residents
Both the mother and her son have since been relocated to a safe property, away from the hazardous environment. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to tackle illegal and unsafe rental practices, particularly in areas with high housing demand like North London.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper housing standards and the need for vigilant enforcement to protect vulnerable tenants from exploitation by unscrupulous landlords.
