A Bristol landlord has been ordered to repay £24,592 to four former tenants after running an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with numerous property defects. Nadeem Ahmed's failure to address issues such as mould, water ingress, and rat infestations at a property on Brislington Hill was deemed 'at the higher end of the spectrum' by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
The tribunal found that no HMO licence application had been submitted until April 2025, despite Bristol City Council confirming this as a requirement. Ahmed's slow response to an electrical malfunction and failure to resolve ongoing mould and water ingress problems were also highlighted as significant breaches of regulations.
Further concerns included the lack of essential safety documentation, such as gas safety, electrical safety, and energy performance certificates being supplied to tenants – a legal requirement for rented properties. Tenant deposits had not been returned correctly, with Judge Simon Allison concluding that Ahmed's conduct 'fell short of a reasonable standard' while managing the property.
This case highlights the ongoing enforcement of HMO licensing requirements, coming as landlords nationwide navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. The tribunal awarded the tenants 80% of the rent paid during the relevant period, totalling £24,592, alongside additional £341 for tribunal fees. The decision contributes to wider discussions on increasing compliance costs within the private rental sector.