A landlord has been hit with a £21,000 fine after squeezing 12 “vulnerable people” into his overcrowded and unlicensed property.
The property in Kensal Green, Brent, was the subject of numerous complaints from neighbours concerning anti-social behaviour.
Brent Council intervened, sending several letters to Muhammad Ilyas asking him to take the appropriate action concerning the property and his tenants.
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Following a visit to the property in June 2019, officers advised Ilyas to apply for an appropriate property licence.
However, he failed to do so and Private Housing Services took action against him.
At the same time, council officers ensured the tenants had options moving forward should the landlord evict them.
Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard the case, where Ilyas pleaded guilty to five separate offences.
He was fined a total of £21,115.50, including a prosecutions cost of £3,925.00 and a victim surcharge of £190.
The duration of the different offences, the vulnerable people in the property, and the amount of money Ilyas had made were all significant factors in the sentencing, the court heard.
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Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, said: “This should serve as a reminder to private landlords who think they can operate unlicensed and overcrowded properties without any consequences. Sadly, it has proved an expensive lesson for the landlord concerned in this particular case.
“He did, however, continually ignore all the advice, help and warnings given to him.
“I’m pleased the magistrates’ court recognised the seriousness of the offences and that Ilyas’ neighbours will no longer have to put up with the constant anti-social behaviour and noise from this property.”
To find out more about how to license a property in Brent click here.
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