A rogue landlord and also letting agent who let out grotty and overcrowded properties has been handed the first banning order in Essex.

Ruhul Shamsuddin (main image, inset), the owner of letting agency Lordsons Estates (pictured) Lordsons Ltd, and Conker Property Management, has been banned from letting properties, engaging in letting agency work, or managing any properties across England for three years.

Southend-on-Sea City Council secured the order following two successful convictions against Shamsuddin and his associated companies relating to properties at 12 Clifftown Road and 90 and 90A West Road which uncovered severe disrepair, dangerous overcrowding, and a failure to obtain proper licensing.

Safety breaches

During these inspections, council officers also identified numerous fire safety breaches, including rooms without fire escape access, significant disrepair in communal areas, damp and mould, lack of heating, and unsafely located cooking appliances.

Shamsuddin was found guilty in his absence of 23 offences at Colchester Magistrates Court in May 2023, including letting a family of five live in one small room at 12 Clifftown Road and was fined £17,293. In the other case, he pleaded guilty to 17 offences at Basildon Magistrates and was fined £16,864 in July 2023.

The court heard that 16 adults and five children had lived in the 11-bedroom unlicensed HMO at 90 and 90A West Road.

Councillor Anne Jones (pictured), cabinet member for planning and housing, says obtaining its first ever banning order is a landmark achievement.

She adds: “Mr Shamsuddin’s conduct was unacceptable, and this action demonstrates our commitment to addressing such issues. Our priority is to make sure that everyone in Southend-on-Sea has access to safe and secure housing, and we will continue to take necessary steps to uphold these standards.”