Crown Court upholds substantial fine for managing an unlicensed HMO in West Kensington

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 - Hammersmith & Fulham Council

Two private landlords who rented out a property without an HMO licence have lost their appeal against conviction at Crown Court.

The case related to an unlicensed HMO occupied by six tenants in West Kensington. The tenants shared a very small kitchen and the landlords had failed to install adequate fire safety measures.

Officers from Hammersmith & Fulham Council were first contacted by one of the tenants in 2019. Following lengthy delays caused by a lack of co-operation from the defendants and the Covid pandemic, a trial took place at the City of London Magistrates Court in September 2022. All three defendants were found guilty.

The offences were being in control of or managing an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), failing to display information relating to a manager’s contact details and failing to take all such measures as are reasonably required to protect the occupiers from injury.

The defendants lodged an appeal against conviction which was eventually heard at Crown Court in May 2024. 

Francesco Grasso and Top Holdings Ltd lost their appeal and their convictions were upheld. 

Margaret Cabo, the wife of Grasso, had her conviction upheld for being in control of or managing an unlicensed HMO. Her appeal against the other two charges succeeded as the court found that she was not involved in the day to day running of the HMO. She was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay £14,500 in costs.

Grasso was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay £25,000 in costs. Top Holdings Ltd, of which he was the director, was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay £25,000 in costs.

Cllr Frances Umeh, H&F Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness said: “Resident safety is our top priority. We are unwavering in our commitment to protect residents renting a home in H&F in the private sector. We believe that everyone deserves a secure and comfortable place to call home. Despite the lengthy court proceedings, justice was eventually served on the rogue landlords. We want H&F to be the best place to live, work and socialise”.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham is available here.

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