Redbridge Council fines rogue landlord £5,250 for unsafe and overcrowded rental home

Published: 03 December 2025 Room with bedding on floor with zero tolerance design and 'Fined' stamp

A landlord has been hit with a £5,250 fine after Redbridge Council found eight people living in dangerous conditions in a two-storey house in Ilford.  

The Council’s Housing Enforcement team stepped in after neighbours raised the alarm about overflowing bins and suspicions that up to ten people were living at the address. 

When officers carried out a surprise inspection on the six-bedroom property, they found the house was being run as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with the landlord not registering the property as required by law. 

The inspection found eight unrelated people living there with serious safety hazards such as no fire safety measures, exposed wiring, and mould growing on freshly painted walls as well as blankets on the floor for sleeping.   

The landlord, Manveer Singh Bachu, was issued with three civil penalties totalling £5,250 for multiple breaches of housing regulations. The property is now vacant and being advertised for sale. 

Councillor Saima Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “This outcome sends a clear message to landlords that we are taking firm actions to raise housing standards and protect residents. Residents deserve to live in a home that is safe and properly managed. Unsafe and illegal housing will not be tolerated in Redbridge. We urge all landlords to check their responsibilities and make sure their properties meet the standards our residents deserve.” 

Landlords can find guidance and support on how to meet legal standards and apply for a property licence by visiting the Landlord hub.

Concerned about a rental property? 
If you think a home is overcrowded, unsafe or being rented without a licence, let the Council know.