Hastings landlord found guilty of housing offence

As part of its continued efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, Hastings Borough Council has been cracking down on non-compliant landlords.

The council’s Housing Improvement and Compliance Team has a legal duty to make sure rental properties are properly managed and are let to the required standard, free from serious hazards that could put tenants at risk.

A key part of this work involves ensuring that they hold accurate and up-to-date information on those managing rental properties in the borough, so they can contact those responsible directly about any issues that may arise. 

Where this information is not provided, the council can take legal action through the courts against individuals or organisations. 

The latest case involved Mr Ali Mohammed (previously known as Mr Patrick Moss at the time of the offence), who was found guilty at Hastings Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 24 June 2025 for failing to respond to a formal request by the council for information required for purposes of the Housing Act 2004.

The request, issued by the council’s Housing Improvement and Compliance Team, legally required Mr Mohammed to disclose who was in control of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) he was connected to on Hughenden Road, Hastings. Despite repeated attempts to engage with him, he failed to provide the requested information.

The court ordered him to pay a £3,000 fine, £1,200 victim surcharge and £3,000 in costs to the council. 

This conviction follows a previous successful case involving Jason Adams of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Ltd, who was found guilty in his absence of the same offence for the same property.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council and lead councillor for Housing and Community Safety at Hastings Borough Council, said: 

"The council is committed to holding non-compliant landlords and those involved in managing rental properties accountable and will take further action against those who fail to engage with us in order to protect the safety and rights of tenants across the borough. 

“We are pleased that the judge found Mr Mohammed guilty of this offence and hope this serves as a clear warning to other landlords that if they fail to engage with us, despite repeated opportunities, we will not hesitate to take further action to protect those in the rental sector.”