Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully prosecuted two landlords in the Magistrates' Court for failing to address serious hazards in their properties.
On 2 October 2025, Habibur Rahman, of Westcliff-on-Sea, was found guilty of allowing multiple hazards at 173A Fairfax Drive, including damp and mould, fall risks and fire hazards.
On 23 October 2025, Madelaine Murphy, of Leigh-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to similar offences at 119 Leigh Hall Road, where inspectors found damp and mould, excess cold and fire hazards.
Photos inside both properties are available on Flickr.
Both landlords ignored legal enforcement notices requiring urgent repairs, which is a criminal offence. They were summonsed to Southend Magistrates' Court and received convictions and fines.
Tenants had contacted the Council after repeated failures by their landlords to carry out essential repairs. Inspections confirmed serious hazards, prompting enforcement action.
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: "More than a quarter of our residents live in privately rented housing, and their safety is our top priority. These prosecutions show the Council will take tough action against landlords who break the law.
"Through the dedication and professionalism of our Private Sector Housing team, the standard of privately rented housing across the city continues to improve.
"These cases follow our landmark achievement last year, when we secured Essex's first-ever banning order against a rogue landlord, highlighting our ongoing commitment to protecting residents from unscrupulous landlords."
If you are experiencing unsafe housing or a landlord failing to carry out essential repairs, report it via MySouthend.