A married couple who failed to make repairs on a cold, damp, mouldy flat they rented out privately in Wembley have been heavily fined.
Tarrek and Saira Aslam, from Harrow, ignored enforcement orders requiring them to carry out the essential work on the property in Castleton Gardens despite a number of reminders from Brent Council.
Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard the flat was in an ‘appalling state of disrepair’, which included persistent leaks from the bathroom windows, a collapsed ceiling and severe damp and mould growth.
A Brent Council environmental health and housing officer made numerous telephone calls and sent letters giving detailed information on the works that needed to be done and also met Aslam at the Civic Centre in Engineers Way, Wembley, but he failed to comply.
The husband and wife team were found guilty of failing to comply with the requirements of the improvement notice to the property and ordered to pay a total of £5,260 in fines and costs.
Cllr Margaret McLennan, lead member for regeneration and housing at Brent Council, said: “Brent Council will crack down on rogue landlords who rent out homes in a terrible condition to tenants.
“The council is determined to improve standards of housing for local people, which is why we have introduced licensing for most private landlords.
“Under the scheme, private landlords will be checked to make sure they are suitable and homes will be inspected to make sure they are of a decent standard.
“Landlords without a licence risk a £20,000 fine.”
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