A London landlord has been found guilty of not licensing three buy to lets.

Gurbachan Matharu from Dagenham was found guilty at Barkingside Magistrates Court for his failure to licence three properties.

Investigations took place into Matharu’s properties after they were affected by fires that took place in Dagenham last year.

Matharu was found guilty in his absence for failure to licence a property which requires a property licence under the Housing Act 2004 Section 95 (1).

Councillor Syed Ghani of Barking and Dagenham council says: “All landlords who operate in Barking and Dagenham must be registered with the council, so we can ensure that they’re providing good living standards for their tenants.

“We’re more than happy for private landlords to have properties in the borough, but they must follow the rules. For those who fail to do so, and rather want to put profit before people, we will investigate and take action if need be.”

The judge has ordered Matharu to pay a fine of £5,000, costs to the council of £160 and a victim surcharge of £500.