Cardiff landlord Nazir Ahmed, who was previously fined nearly £40,000 for severe safety violations at his rental property, now faces even more costs after his appeal bid was unsuccessful. The 67-year-old landlord from Albany Road, Cardiff, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court seeking an adjournment to gather evidence supporting his claim that he couldn’t carry out necessary repairs at his property in Broadway, Adamsdown, due to anti-social behaviour and squatters. However, the court rejected his excuse and refused to adjourn the case.
In April 2023, concerns raised by South Wales Police led to an inspection of the property, where council officers and fire service officials found numerous safety issues. The Victorian property had been subdivided into four flats without permission. Key problems included insecure entrances, defective fire doors, no electricity due to meter tampering, and a rodent infestation. Emergency Prohibition Orders were issued, requiring tenants to vacate while repairs were demanded.
Ahmed faced charges related to housing regulations and was fined £37,000, along with additional costs. His appeal failed in court, resulting in a total bill of £42,521.84, which covers the council’s extra legal expenses. The hefty fine was imposed because the property was deemed unsafe for habitation, highlighting the risks posed by landlords who neglect safety standards.
Lynda Thorne, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for housing and communities, emphasized the importance of providing safe rental accommodation and condemned landlords who compromise tenant safety. The case illustrates the consequences faced by landlords who endanger their tenants by cutting corners. Despite efforts to work with responsible landlords, cases like Ahmed’s underscore the need for strict enforcement to protect tenants’ wellbeing.