A landlord has been fined £29,000 after being found guilty of failing to license several privately rented flats in Loughborough.
Olawunmi Odunaiya, the owner of 7 The Coneries in Loughborough, was prosecuted for not licensing 29 flats under Charnwood Borough Council’s selective licensing scheme.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Mrs. Odunaiya denied the charges at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on April 1, 2025, but was found guilty following a trial.
The selective licensing scheme requires all private landlords in designated areas of Loughborough to obtain a license to rent out properties. The goal is to improve standards in privately rented homes, ensuring they are suitable for tenants and are being properly managed.
The scheme was introduced by the Council in 2023.
The court was informed that Mrs. Odunaiya owned 7 The Coneries, a building with 40 flats, 33 of which she rented out. However, she had only licensed four of the 33 flats she owned in the block.
The Council became aware that the flats were unlicensed in late 2023 and contacted Mrs. Odunaiya multiple times, informing her that the flats needed to be licensed and offering guidance on the application process.
Despite this, Mrs. Odunaiya did not apply for any licenses, prompting the Council to proceed with prosecution.
In court, Mrs. Odunaiya stated that she had intended to pay the application fees (£700 for each property, totaling £20,300) for all 29 properties. However, she explained that she faced financial difficulties at the time due to necessary exterior repairs to the building’s cladding and required fire safety measures following a fire safety audit by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
Mrs. Odunaiya was fined £29,000 and ordered to pay £11,600 in victim surcharge and £6,960 in court costs, amounting to £47,560. She agreed to pay the full amount within two months.
She was acquitted of one charge, as it was determined that the property in question had been sold in 2021.
After the hearing, Peter Oliver, the Council’s director of housing and wellbeing, stated: “Landlords have a responsibility to ensure their properties comply with relevant licensing schemes. The selective licensing scheme was introduced to raise standards for tenants in Loughborough’s private rented sector. While we work with landlords, we will take action against those who fail to comply in order to protect tenants.
“The defendant was aware of the licensing scheme and had sufficient time to apply for the necessary licenses, yet failed to do so. This prosecution serves as a reminder to landlords that they are obligated to provide quality homes and adhere to licensing requirements. If they don’t, the Council will intervene.
“We also hope this case reminds tenants of their rights and that landlords can be held accountable. The Council is available to offer advice to tenants in the private rented sector.”
Mrs. Odunaiya has 28 days to appeal the Court’s decision.
