Two landlords convicted and fined after ignoring council notices for urgent repairs

Southend-on-Sea City Council has prosecuted the two landlords in the Magistrates' Court

"Unsafe stairs and damp walls" in Fairfax Drive
Author: Harrison CablePublished 27th Nov 2025

Two landlords have received convictions and fines over serious hazards in their rental properties.

Both landlords ignored legal enforcement notices requiring urgent repairs, which is a criminal offence.

Tenants had contacted the council after repeated failures to carry out repairs, with inspections confirming the hazards.

"Insecure & Unhygienic Wash Hand Basin" - Fairfax Drive

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.

"Damage to ceiling in hall following leak, no working smoke detector or light" - Fairfax Drive

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