Harrow Council has uncovered what it has described as a “death trap” property in Rayners Lane.
The discovery was made after a visit from housing enforcement officers who found tenants living in dangerous and squalid conditions with no windows or ventilation.
The property, which was unlicensed, was also found to have dodgy electrics and a mice infestation.
The council officers were tipped off about the property by locals and the police, and a joint inspection revealed that the property was overcrowded with up to eight people living there and sharing one small bathroom and kitchen.
Mice droppings were found all over the property, and the electrics were last checked in 2020. Furthermore, the washing machine was connected to a broken socket.
The tenants were paying between £250 and £500 per week to live in the property.
Cllr Anjana Patel, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety at Harrow Council, said: “Thankfully our officers discovered this dangerous property before a potential tragedy could have occurred.
“Allowing people to live in properties like this is reckless, and we are coming after rogue landlords who put profit before people.
“We’ve pledged to take tougher enforcement action to keep our residents safe and will bring the law onto those who are renting properties in squalid conditions. It’s simply unacceptable for anyone to live in such appalling conditions.
“We will not tolerate landlords who exploit vulnerable people in this way, and we will work tirelessly to make sure that our residents have safe, decent and affordable housing.”
The council has pledged to bring the law onto those who are renting properties in squalid conditions and to take steps to keep its residents safe.
Further enforcement action will be taken against the landlord of the property in Rayners Lane.
