Rogue landlord fined after tenants in East Oxford put at risk

Pensioner Maria Rosa De Simone Ramjohn admitted neglecting her East Oxford property and putting tenants at risk of injury, breaching housing regulations 14 times.

It was the third occasion the 73-year-old, of Marston Street, Oxford, landed in court for violating the management of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) regulations.

Alex Hollingsworth, Oxford City Council’s board member for planning and regulatory Services, said: “This case illustrates why we believe the court should impose stiff penalties on landlords who wilfully ignore the law, and I am pleased that they have done so in this instance.

“Unlicensed and poorly managed properties often pose significant health risks to tenants and we will continue to investigate and prosecute landlords who rent them out.”

Ramjohn’s offending was uncovered after environmental health officers investigated unlicensed property in Marston Street.

They spotted an ‘unsafe’ and cluttered garden, fire safety concerns, areas of the house not in good and clean decorative repair or in a safe and working condition.

Ramjohn, who did not appear in court after admitting charges in a written plea, also failed to ensure all windows were kept in good repair, Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.

The landlord admitted one count of being a controller or manager of a HMO act without a licence, and five counts of failing to comply with regulations in respect of management of a HMO on or about May 13.

She was ordered to pay £1,425 costs to the city council and a £150 victim surcharge.

In 2008, Ramjohn was hit with a £17,500 fine after the council discovered her Rose Hill property needed emergency repairs to make it safe.

Five tenants living at her Annesley Road house were at risk after officers spotted the kitchen ceiling had partially fallen down due to water penetration, two badly rotted ceiling joists and a hole in the floor.