Ten adults and three children were found crammed inside a single flat.

Harrow Council enforcement officers said a routine inspection turned into “a nightmare” when the 13 occupants were discovered sharing the three-bed flat in Rayners Lane.

After being alerted to the property in Rayners Lane earlier this month, their suspicions were raised when they found several mattresses lined up on the floor.

Then they learned all the occupants were sharing a small kitchen, as well as only one bathroom and toilet.

Mattresses on floor of Harrow flat. Enforcement officers found several mattresses on the floor of the flat during an inspection. Image Credit: Harrow Council. Permission to use with all LDRS partners

Mattresses on floor of Harrow flat. Enforcement officers found several mattresses on the floor of the flat during an inspection. Image Credit: Harrow Council. Permission to use with all LDRS partners

Upon further inspection, officers uncovered a host of other hazards including exposed wires and faulty appliance sockets, which the council claims could “in the worst case scenario cause a fire”.

The council says its enforcement team is “taking it up with the landlord”.

The property was uncovered by Harrow’s enforcement teams during its second ‘week of action’, which took place in Rayners Lane between October 30 and November 3.

The local authority works with police, trading standards, and London Fire Brigade to tackle issues including fly-tipping, business trading and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).

Cllr Anjana Patel, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and community safety, claims the council is “not afraid to take action” against bad landlords and, where necessary, it will take offenders to court.

She said: “Overcrowding is unsafe, unsanitary and exploits people who deserve a decent place to call their home. It’s the job of our enforcement officers to ensure instances like this don’t happen and that tenants are safe.”

She added: “This is why it is so important that houses of multiple occupancy are licensed and comply with the law. While the majority of our landlords and agents look after their tenants and keep properties safe, there are a few who simply don’t care.”