Nine unrelated people were found living in the cramped family home
An unsafe HMO in Ilford has been shut down by Redbridge Council following reports of overcrowding and harassment. Housing standards officers found nine unrelated people living in the cramped family home during an unannounced inspection, the council says.
Officers found black mould in people’s bedrooms, watermarks in the hallway, evidence of mouse droppings in the kitchen, and single bedrooms converted from communal spaces. The former family home was unlicensed to be used as an HMO, according to the council.
HMOs, or houses in multiple occupation, are properties rented by at least three people who are not from the same household. They share domestic facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
Landlords in England and Wales are required by law to hold an individual licence if they wish to lease a “large” HMO, defined as a house-share for five or more people.
The managing agent of the Ilford HMO, who had been collecting rent from the tenants, denied involvement when asked by council officers. However, officers were provided with rent receipts and witness statements that indicated they had been involved with the HMO.
Enforcement notices have now been issued and the council is in the process of serving “multiple” civil penalty notices, such as fines.
The home itself has returned to its previous use as a family home under the landlord and the tenants have been advised to seek rent repayment orders, where they will be refunded for their rent as it was wrongly paid.
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Councillor Saima Ahmed, the cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “Residents have rightly raised concerns about landlords failing to meet their responsibilities and this case shows things are changing: we are taking firm action to raise standards and protect tenants.
“Our zero tolerance approach means rogue agents and landlords will not be allowed to exploit residents in Redbridge. Everyone deserves a safe, secure home and we will continue to act to make sure that happens.”
Under a scheme introduced by former leader Jas Athwal, Redbridge has been targeting rogue landlords across the borough. The scheme drew criticism when it was revealed in 2024 that Athwal, now the MP for Ilford South, rented out flats infested with black mould and ants.
