A landlord has been told to pay fines and repay costs for housing eight residents in unsafe conditions in Harold Hill.

John Abraka, whose property in Myrtle Road was found to be in a bad state of disrepair by Havering Council, admitted numerous breaches of house in multiple occupation (HMO) management regulations at Romford Magistrates Court earlier this month.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to licence the property as an HMO and provide documents requested by the local authority.

In September 2021, the council’s private sector landlord licensing officers visited Abraka’s premises after they received complaints by a member of the public.

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The officers found that the property was occupied by eight people with the garage illegally turned into a bedroom. It also lacked fire safety precautions expected in an HMO, the council said.

Abraka, 53, of The Fallows, Canvey Island in Essex, was ordered to pay more than £3,000 in fines and court costs.

Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said it will not tolerate "irresponsible landlords... providing poorly maintained HMO properties".

He added: “We are also here to support landlords to help them make sure tenants are living safely in private rented accommodation in Havering.

“However, landlords of HMOs that break the rules must be aware that like in this case, we will use the strongest possible action against them.”