Landlord prosecuted for renting out room only accessible by crawling

A landlord has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 after being prosecuted for renting out a loft room which tenants could only access by going on all fours up a staircase.

The Environmental Health Team at Barnet Council took action against Yaakov Marom, of Sunningfields Road, Hendon for failing to comply with an order issued in February 2012 prohibiting occupation of the loft room.

Officers were concerned that the low ceiling and small entrance/exit could impede tenants’ ability to escape in the event of a fire.

“Head height along the course of the staircase was found to only be between 0.7 and 1.2m, and the door to the room was also reduced in size,” Barnet said.

Officers had visited the house again in September 2013 and found the loft room was still in use. A couple were paying £420 a month in rent.

Marom pleaded guilty on 5 August at Willesden Magistrates’ Court. He was ordered to pay a £1,500 fine, £1,420 in costs and a victim surcharge of £120. 

Cllr Tom Davey, chairman of Barnet’s housing committee, said: “At the very least tenants have the right to expect that the accommodation they are renting is safe. 
  
“Barnet Council is keen to work with landlords and help them to provide safe accommodation. However, those who exploit tenants for financial gain will not be tolerated and the appropriate action will be taken.”