Landlord banned from renting out properties after 18 people found living in unsafe home

A landlord has been banned from renting out homes after 18 people, including six children, were found living in one of his run down properties.

Adam Habane was found guilty in March 2021 of the poor management of seven flats at 24 Lower Ashley Road, St Agnes, in Bristol.

Bristol City Council’s Private Housing Team brought the case after visiting the property and finding it had been poorly converted into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

It was found to be in poor condition, with particular concerns for the safety of the 18 occupants due to the absence of working fire alarm systems.

The council later made Prohibition Orders on the flats in the property's main building to make it illegal for anyone to live there due to the unsafe living conditions.

Bristol City Council said it applied for a Banning Order due to the seriousness of the offences and the potential harm to tenants, adding it hoped it would deter other rogue landlords.

Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing delivery and homes, said: “Rogue landlords and agents have no place in Bristol and the council will use all its powers available to stop these criminals from operating in Bristol and the rest of the country.

“This was a particularly shocking case, where the landlord showed a blatant disregard for the safety of his tenants.

“That is why we took the decision to apply for a Banning Order following the successful conviction earlier this year.

“I would like to thank all the officers in Private Housing and Legal Services for their hard work to bring this absentee landlord to account.”

Habane, of Bristol, has now been banned from letting houses or carrying out letting agency or property management work in England, and banned from acting as an officer of any company that works in this area for five years.

His name was also added to the government’s Rogue Landlord database.

Bristol City Council said Habane has refused to confirm if he is involved in the letting or management of any other rented properties.