A Peterborough letting agent, Smart Move Property Solutions (UK) Ltd, has been heavily fined after failing to carry out vital repairs at a rental property that was found to be in extremely poor condition. The company and its director, Ghulam Ali, were prosecuted by Peterborough City Council following serious breaches of housing standards legislation.
In February 2025, officers from the council’s Housing Standards Team inspected the property on Lincoln Road and found multiple severe hazards, including widespread damp and mould, damaged ceilings, poor insulation, unsafe electrical installations, inadequate fire safety measures, and ill-fitting windows.
Given the clear risks to tenants — including young children living in the home — the council served an Improvement Notice requiring the landlord to complete urgent remedial works by 7 May 2025.
When officers returned in May, they found that virtually no progress had been made and that the property remained in serious disrepair.
As a result, legal proceedings were initiated against Smart Move Property Solutions (UK) Ltd and its director under Section 30 of the Housing Act 2004 for failing to comply with the Improvement Notice.
The case was heard at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 29 October 2025. Neither the company nor its director attended the hearing — a notable absence that demonstrated a disregard for both the tenants affected and the legal process. In their absence, the court proceeded with the prosecution and delivered a guilty verdict against both parties.
Smart Move Property Solutions (UK) Ltd was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £1,200. In addition, Director Ghulam Ali was personally fined £1,100, with further costs of £400 and a £440 victim surcharge.
The total financial penalty amounted to £6,540.
The home, in Lincoln Road, Peterborough, had several hazards including extensive damp and mould, poor thermal insulation, improper fire evacuation measures and dangerous electrics.
Commenting on the outcome, Councillor Christian Hogg, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, stated that the prosecution should serve as a clear warning to landlords and letting agents who neglect their legal responsibilities.
He emphasised the council’s determination to use all enforcement powers available to protect tenants from unsafe and substandard housing.
Councillor Hogg also urged residents to report any concerns about the safety or management of rented properties via the council’s housing advice service.
Financial records filed by Smart Move Property Solutions (UK) Ltd reinforce the impression of a small and financially strained business. The company’s annual accounts, approved on 24 October 2025, show total assets of £50,169 offset by long-term and short-term liabilities exceeding £126,000.
With only four employees (including directors), the company operates under micro-entity provisions and is exempt from formal auditing. No profit and loss statement has been published, meaning its trading performance remains undisclosed.
The case underscores the council’s commitment to holding negligent property operators to account and ensuring that all residents in Peterborough have access to safe and habitable housing.
