Gang of criminal landlords fined over £403,000 for operating dangerous HMOs in Northampton

20 November 2024

Three rogue landlords have been fined a total of £403,079 for housing offences under the Housing Act 2004, including operating unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and a series of dangerous breaches relating to fire safety, tenant rights, and property maintenance.

The offences involved eight properties across Northampton, located on Talbot Road, Bailiff Street, St Michaels Mount, Robert Street, The Headlands, Chalcombe Avenue, and Spinney Hill Road.

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Private Sector Housing Team launched an investigation into the landlords in 2019, acting on safety concerns raised by residents. The investigation led to a Housing Warrant enabling the Council to inspect the properties, revealing a network of unsafe and unlicensed rental accommodations.

The case culminated in sentencing, with the District Judge identifying Khurram Jamil, of Northampton, as the orchestrator of the scheme. Jamil received a fine of £252,000, along with a contribution to the Council’s investigation costs of £11,072, and a victim surcharge of £181.

Two other defendants included Tahir Butt, also of Northampton, who was fined £54,000, with an additional contribution of £11,072 towards the Council’s investigation costs, and a £181 victim surcharge, and Dumitru Sava, of Northampton, fined £60,000, with £14,302 in investigation costs and a £181 victim surcharge.

"This was an orchestrated system of neglect for financial gain, showing complete disregard for safety and wellbeing. While our Housing Team can’t monitor every property, we are committed to taking swift action when we uncover evidence of wrongdoing. I encourage anyone with concerns about rental properties to report them through our website so that we can make private renting safer for everyone in West Northamptonshire."Councillor Rosie Herring, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Housing