An agent acting for an owner who squeezed more than 20 people into a property has been fined over £40,000.

Meet Valand, described by Brent council in London as an agent for the owner, must pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs on top of the £40,000.

Vispap Sarkari, who managed the property and rent collections, was also convicted. He was fined £50,000, with a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs.

A statement from Brent says the property at the heart of the case housed more than twice the number of people permitted under its licence.

After tenants raised concerns with the council, officers investigated and uncovered a catalogue of serious problems, including a cockroach infestation, fire-safety breaches, and inadequate kitchen facilities, including broken stoves and missing doors.

The court found that the failings amounted to Category 1 harm, the highest level of housing hazard reflecting the seriousness of the risks faced by those living there, particularly around fire safety.

A detailed investigation uncovered multiple aliases and associates linked to Sarkari.

The court heard that Sarkari failed to meet basic safety and maintenance standards, including problems with fire alarms, fire safety equipment, escape routes, a damaged porch door and cracked bathroom fixtures.

He was considered a repeat offender with previous housing offences, and following his conviction for housing offences in March 2026 and these further findings, he is now eligible for a banning order.

A council spokesperson says: “These convictions should serve as a warning to any landlord or property manager in Brent who chooses to ignore their responsibilities and put profit before people. 

“Residents deserve safe, secure housing and are encouraged to report poor conditions or unlawful practices so we can protect tenants and hold landlords to account. 

“Property licencing is a key tool in helping the council raise housing standards, improve living conditions and tackle rogue landlords”

Following the council’s intervention, the owner of the property had made significant improvements to the property. 

The owner is continuing to work with the council to ensure the property meets the conditions of its HMO licence and remains compliant with licence requirements.