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Tower Hamlets rogue landlord hit with £67,000 fine
A landlord who rented dark, damp and overcrowded rooms in Stepney has been hit with a huge fine.
Rogue landlord Mr Liakath Ali, 40, of Woodstock Road, Bedford was ordered to pay a confiscation order of £36,936 related to offences in a property on Moody Street.
The order was based on the council’s financial investigation report that highlighted Ali’s rental income, and his equity in the four properties he owned.
As well as the confiscation order, Ali was ordered to pay £12,500 in fines, and £17,500 in costs on top of a victim surcharge of £120. The total cost was £67,056.
The fines and costs related to a lack of fire alarms and fire doors, a rat infestation, widespread mould, overcrowding and an illegally partitioned room.
One room had inadequate light, and two other rooms contained two people, when they were only each suitable for one occupant.
These Housing Act offences had originally been considered by Thames Magistrates’ Court. Magistrates’ there had found Ali guilty in his absence, and passed the case to the Crown Court for sentencing.
The fine was handed down by Judge Nicholas Huskinson at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday 17 December last year.
The confiscated amount will be shared between the Courts Service, national Government and Tower Hamlets council to fund future enforcement measures.
Cllr Sirajul Islam, cabinet member for housing management and performance, said:
“It is vital that landlords in the borough are committed to renting out their properties within the confines of the law. We trust them to ensure they have the necessary safety measures in place to protect their tenants. We only take enforcement action against rogue landlords as a last resort.
“The health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets residents is of utmost importance to us. For landlords to flout the law when it comes to people’s health and safety is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst.“
Tower Hamlets Council is encouraging people to report any concerns about dangerous conditions in a rented property to their Environmental Health team on 020 7364 5008 or email: environmental.health@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
