Key Points
- Harrow Council officers inspected a four-bedroom property in Edgware, North London, after repeated complaints about rubbish dumped outside.
- The property, converted into multiple units and suspected to be an unlicensed HMO, was found in a “dangerous state” with serious safety failings including a broken boiler, missing smoke alarms, and a gas leak confirmed after a strong smell of gas was detected.
- An emergency engineer was called to the scene due to the immediate risk posed by the gas leak.
- Harrow Council issued an Emergency Prohibition Order, preventing anyone from living there until urgent repairs were carried out.
- Landlord Kamil Trivedi failed to provide required fire safety and electrical safety certificates despite multiple requests from the council.
- Trivedi was found guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on December 11, 2025, of two offences: failing to provide a fire safety certificate and failing to provide an electrical safety certificate.
- He was fined £5,000, ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £2,000 in costs, totalling £9,000.
- The property lacked an HMO licence, which is mandatory in Harrow borough and costs between £1,285.90 and £1,818.00 annually depending on whether it is a new application or renewal; failure to license is a criminal offence with unlimited fines.
- Additional hazards reported in some coverage include old mattresses left in walkways.
- Harrow Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety, Cllr Pritesh Patel, commented on the case emphasising enforcement.
- It remains unclear if the council will prosecute Trivedi for the unlicensed HMO aspect.
Edgware, Harrow Council (North London News) January 13, 2026 – A landlord in Edgware has been fined a total of £9,000 after council officers uncovered “dangerous living conditions” in a suspected unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), including a gas leak, broken boiler, and missing smoke alarms. The four-bedroom property, converted into multiple units, prompted the intervention following neighbour complaints about rubbish dumping. Harrow Council issued an Emergency Prohibition Order and successfully prosecuted owner Kamil Trivedi at Willesden Magistrates’ Court.
What Triggered the Council Inspection?
Repeated complaints from residents about rubbish being dumped outside the four-bedroom home in Edgware alerted Harrow Council officers to investigate the property. As reported across multiple outlets including Harrow Online and the Evening Standard, the house had been subdivided into several units, raising suspicions of it operating as an unlicensed HMO. Officers visited the site, where they immediately noted hazardous conditions that posed risks to any occupants.
The inspection revealed a series of failings that council officials described as creating “dangerous living conditions”. Neighbours’ persistent reports of litter accumulation outside were the catalyst, but inside, the true extent of neglect became apparent. This proactive response underscores Harrow Council’s commitment to addressing community concerns promptly.
What Hazards Were Discovered During the Inspection?
Council officers found no smoke alarms installed in the property, alongside a broken boiler that left tenants without heating or hot water. A strong smell of gas prompted the immediate call-out of an emergency engineer, who confirmed a dangerous gas leak at the premises. According to coverage in Landlord Zone, additional fire hazards included old mattresses abandoned in walkways, exacerbating the risk of accidents or fires.
These discoveries were labelled by the council as the property being “riddled with fire hazards”. The combination of missing safety equipment and the gas issue created an “immediate risk” to anyone residing there, as stated in reports from MyLondon and the BBC. No source indicated injuries occurred, but the potential for catastrophe was evident.
Harrow Council acted decisively upon these findings. The Emergency Prohibition Order was served on the spot to halt occupancy until repairs addressed the dangers.
Why Was an Emergency Prohibition Order Issued?
The conditions uncovered posed an “immediate risk to occupants”, leading Harrow Council to issue an Emergency Prohibition Order without delay. This legal measure prohibits anyone from living in the property until urgent repair work rectifies the safety issues, including fixing the gas leak, installing smoke alarms, and repairing the boiler. As detailed in The Negotiator, the order ensures no further endangerment while compliance is enforced.
Councillors emphasised the order’s role in protecting vulnerable tenants. The property remained uninhabitable under this directive, with the council monitoring repairs closely. Such orders are a key tool in local authorities’ arsenals against rogue landlords.
What Happened in Court Against Kamil Trivedi?
Landlord Kamil Trivedi faced prosecution at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on December 11, 2025, where he was found guilty of two specific offences. He failed to provide a fire safety certificate and an electrical safety certificate despite multiple formal requests from Harrow Council officers. These documents are legally required to verify tenant safety and identify responsible parties for property management.
As reported by the Evening Standard, Trivedi was fined £5,000, ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge, and contribute £2,000 towards council costs, totalling £9,000. Harrow Online echoed this, noting the court’s decision followed the landlord’s repeated ignoring of warnings. The BBC confirmed the conviction stemmed directly from non-compliance with safety documentation mandates.
No mitigation or statement from Trivedi appears in available coverage, maintaining focus on the council’s evidence.
What Are the HMO Licensing Requirements in Harrow?
HMO landlords in Harrow borough must obtain a mandatory licence, costing between £1,285.90 for new applications and £1,818.00 for renewals annually. The property in question was a “suspected unlicensed HMO”, operating without this approval despite conversion into multiple units. Failing to secure a licence constitutes a criminal offence, punishable by unlimited fines, plus extra charges for breaches like overcrowding or obstructing council functions.
Councils use licences to enforce standards on fire safety, amenities, and occupancy limits. Harrow Online and the Standard both highlighted that such requirements ensure accountability. It is not yet clear if Harrow Council plans further prosecution against Trivedi specifically for the licensing failure.
What Did Cllr Pritesh Patel Say About the Case?
As reported by Cllr Pritesh Patel, Harrow Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety, in statements covered by the Evening Standard and Harrow Online:
“Our officers work tirelessly to protect tenants and ensure landlords know their responsibilities. When they issue notices, they must be taken seriously. This case shows the consequences of ignoring warnings and allowing a property to fall into a dangerous state.”
He added:
“Our officers acted swiftly to shut the property down and prosecute Mr Trivedi. No one is above the law. We will continue to put residents first and take tough action against anyone who puts them at risk.”
Pritesh Patel’s comments, pictured in some reports, underscore the council’s zero-tolerance stance. These remarks appeared consistently across sources without alteration.
What Broader Implications Does This Case Have for Landlords?
This prosecution serves as a stark warning to landlords across North London about the perils of neglecting safety obligations. Harrow Council’s actions demonstrate rigorous enforcement, from inspections triggered by complaints to court victories. Rogue operators face not only fines but property closures, impacting rental income.
Tenants gain reassurance from such interventions, knowing authorities prioritise their welfare. The case highlights the importance of HMO licensing amid rising demand for affordable housing in areas like Edgware. Future coverage may track if Trivedi complies fully or faces additional charges.
Landlords should proactively secure certificates and licences to avoid similar fates. Councils like Harrow vow continued vigilance.
How Does This Fit Into North London’s Housing Enforcement Trends?
Edgware’s incident aligns with ongoing crackdowns on substandard HMOs in North London boroughs. Harrow Council has warned repeatedly about unlicensed operations, as echoed in their social media posts. Similar cases involve fire hazards and non-compliance, prompting emergency measures.
This £9,000 penalty reinforces that financial consequences are severe. Community complaints remain pivotal in sparking probes. As housing pressures mount, expect heightened scrutiny on conversions.
Residents are encouraged to report issues, bolstering enforcement.
