A dodgy landlord and his agency have been fined nearly £50k for packing too many people into two homes - one of which had faulty fire doors.

Alvaro Odeh-Torro and his company London Living Group also gave Camden Council false information about rent receipts.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on September 6, they were convicted of eight offences under the Housing Act at two Camden houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Camden Council inspectors swooped on the homes early in 2023 after learning that Odeh-Torro, of London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, and Chalk Farm Parade, Hampstead, and his company were involved in their management.

Odeh-Torro was known to the council after it took action against other companies, Alterna and LRTR, for similar offences, and fined companies of which he was a director.

Multiple breaches including faulty fire door in homes managed by London Living LtdInspectors found multiple breaches including faulty fire doors in homes managed by London Living Group (Image: Camden Council)

Visiting 25 Carrol Close, Gospel Oak, in February 2023, they found more households than its HMO licence permitted living there.

Officers also spotted several breaches of regulations, including faulty fire doors.

Undersized room was being occupied despite the HMO licence saying it shouldn't beAn undersized room was being occupied despite the HMO licence saying it should not be lived in (Image: Camden Council)

An inspection of 68-70 Falkland Road in Kentish Town the following month revealed someone living in an undersized room despite its licence specifically stating it should not be occupied.

Odeh-Torro and London Living Group, based in Chalk Farm Parade, Hampstead, also pleaded guilty to offences under the Housing Act after they were found to have provided false or misleading information to the council about the receipt of rental payments.

A door off it hinges in rogue landlord Alvaro Odeh-Torro's HMOA door off its hinges in rogue landlord Alvaro Odeh-Torro's HMO (Image: Camden Council)

Cllr Sagal Abdi-Wali, Camden Council's cabinet member for better homes, said: “Around a third of Camden residents rent from private landlords and they deserve to live in properly regulated, safe homes and to be treated fairly.

“Most of our landlords are decent law-abiding people. However, for too long, a minority have been able to let housing that is unsuitable while exploiting their tenants and woefully disregarding their wellbeing and safety.

“Our Private Sector Housing service are continuing to improve the standards in Camden’s private housing sector, empowering renters to take action and helping good landlords to run successful businesses.

“Our message to landlords and letting agents is that we are here to work with you; to provide advice and assistance first of all and to ensure you can meet your obligations.”