Safety risks at Maddocks House in Shadwell came to light after father-of-two Mizanur Rahman, 41, died from the effects of smoke inhalation after an e-bike caught fire in the early hours of March 5 2023.
Husband and wife landlords Sofina Begum and Aminur Rahman have been charged with renting out a severely overcrowded two-bedroom flat in east London, which housed 23 residents. The flat, located at Maddocks House in Shadwell, saw residents paying around £90 a week and were advised not to use the flat as a postal address. Tragically, a fire caused by a faulty e-bike battery on March 5, 2023, led to the death of tenant Mizanur Rahman from smoke inhalation. The couple pleaded guilty to nine housing offences, including overcrowding, safety violations, and failing to comply with licence conditions. They denied knowledge of the overcrowding, attributing it to a 'rogue manager.' Their lawyer highlighted their financial and emotional struggles post-conviction. The case is ongoing, with potential fines as a possible outcome.
