There is a severe lack of affordable properties in London, with many tenants willing to pay over the odds for a flat, irrespective of how unsuitable it is. Not surprisingly, some landlords have decided to cash in on the strong demand for rentals in the capital.
Unscrupulous Landlord Caught Out
A landlord in Southwark has been caught out trying to let out a former storeroom as a bedsit. The minimum size for a rental property is 37m2. This property measured only 27m2. It also only had one window, so ventilation and natural light were very poor. As a result, the property did not meet planning regulations and had been illegally converted.
The flat was described as a one-bed flat and images online indicate the conversion was nicely done, but nevertheless, it still didn’t meet the required standards and Southwark Council did not hesitate to take action against the landlord.
Landlord Must Pay Costs
The landlord now has four months to remove the kitchen and bathroom from the property and stop renting it out to tenants. He will also have to pay full costs for the court case, which could end up being several thousand pounds.
Councillor Williams from Southwark Council said the borough would not hesitate to take action against unscrupulous landlords trying to make money by letting out unsuitable properties.
“This case shows we will take action against anyone who fails to meet our standards for decent, quality homes for our residents.”
