No bathroom door! Rogue landlord fined for leaving tenants with multiple hazards

A rogue landlord has been ordered to pay £6,543 after leaving a family to live with serious disrepair, including the shocking absence of a bathroom door, for more than a year.

The investigation began when a tenant reported that the property’s electric cooker and hob were not working, posing a safety risk. Officers also found severe damp and mould in the kitchen, alongside a missing bathroom door, highlighting the scale of disrepair.

Despite being served with an Improvement Notice, a follow-up inspection revealed that none of the required works had been completed. Magistrates ruled that Mr Totland had breached housing legislation by failing in his statutory duty to address the hazards under the Housing Act 2004.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“This case shows how seriously we pursue landlords who try to exploit tenants in Brent. Every family deserves to live in a safe home with dignity and privacy, no one should be expected to use a bathroom without a door.

“Every rental property in Brent needs a licence to comply with the law. Landlords still operating without a licence should apply online today to avoid a knock on the door by our enforcement officers. Don’t get caught out, get licensed!”

The council will continue working with Mr Totland until the repairs are done and property made safe.

Borough-wide licensing in Brent has been the law since April 2024. All landlords renting out properties in Brent, except Wembley Park, need a license. Landlords who don’t have a licence face hefty fines or prosecution.

Private renters in Brent are encouraged to report issues so the council can take action. They are also invited to the Private Renters Fair on Wednesday 8 October to learn about new rental laws, understand their rights, and access advice and support for all aspects of renting.