Tower Hamlets Council has secured three-year banning orders against a property management company and its two directors following serious housing offences at an overcrowded property in Poplar, east London.
R&G Agent Ltd and its directors, Rafael Mendes Torres and Evandro dos Santos Gomes, were banned from operating in England’s private rented sector after a tribunal found they had committed serious and repeated violations at a property in Kemps Drive, E14.
The property operated as an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) between January 2022 and December 2023. The tribunal heard that the two-bedroom flat had been converted into as many as five bedrooms, accommodating up to six tenants.
Tribunal findings
Council investigators documented multiple violations at the property, including mice, cockroach and bed bug infestations, faulty electrical systems, poor maintenance and inadequate fire safety measures. The property lacked fire doors and fire extinguishers required for HMO properties.
The tribunal also found that tenant deposits had not been protected and written tenancy agreements were not provided. One tenant reported that complaints about conditions resulted in a rent increase rather than repairs being carried out.
The tribunal ruled that the landlords demonstrated a ‘dangerous’ lack of knowledge of their legal responsibilities and failed to take meaningful steps to improve standards. It concluded they had attempted to mislead both tenants and the council.
R&G Agent Ltd had previously been convicted of the same offence at another property, which the tribunal said demonstrated a pattern of non-compliance. This repeat offending record influenced the tribunal’s decision to impose the three-year banning orders.
Enforcement action
The case reflects broader regulatory pressure on the rental sector, with councils increasingly using enforcement powers against non-compliant landlords. The banning orders are reserved for the most serious housing offences and prevent the individuals from letting property or engaging in property management during the ban period.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: ‘This outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate rogue landlords in Tower Hamlets, who put tenants at risk. Every resident deserves a safe, secure and well-managed home, and we will continue to take robust enforcement action against those who fail to meet their legal responsibilities.’
The enforcement action comes as landlord operating costs continue to rise, with some industry professionals citing increased compliance requirements. The government has indicated it will publish a property reform roadmap this year, which may include further measures affecting the private rental sector.
The three-year banning orders take effect immediately and will remain in place until 2029. Breach of a banning order is a criminal offence carrying potential imprisonment and unlimited fines.
