A slum landlord and his son are awaiting sentencing after a court found them guilty of renting out dangerous accommodation while they themselves lived in luxury.
Izrar Fazal, 54, lived in a £1.3m mansion in Hale Barns, Cheshire, whilst his son Shabaz, 30, also lived in an expensive home in Cheshire.
Devastatingly poor conditions were discovered by council and fire investigators at five flats in Manchester after a complaint was made about conditions. Hazards included a collapsed ceiling, dangerous electrics and no fire alarms.
Warren Spencer, prosecuting for the fire service, said the conditions were catastrophic.
Laura Raine, prosecuting for Manchester council, said: “This landlord has put personal financial gain before the safety of these tenants. That is of great concern. Our officers have spent numerous hours on this case and have made numerous inspections. There has been great difficulty in locating exactly who was responsible.”
Izrar Fazal admitted six offences brought by the fire service, and Shabaz Fazal pleaded guilty to four charges brought by Manchester council concerning the property conditions and nine charges brought by the fire service.
Deputy district judge David Robinson told them: “Your behaviour towards your tenants was shameful. You have shown contempt to their safety and well-being. You clearly have contempt for the law. You placed a large number of people at risk, including children.”
Manchester councillor Paul Andrews said: “It is absolutely shocking that a landlord in 21st-century Manchester is content to let a family live in this kind of squalor, when he is living content in Hale Barns surrounded by rich footballers.
“Slum landlords should be a thing of the past and I hope this serves as a warning to others who think they can rent out revolting properties and get away with it.”
Both men will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on June 29.
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