Brent landlords ordered to pay £5,260

Two Brent landlords have been ordered to pay a total of £5,260 in fines and costs after failing to make repairs at the Wembley property they let out.

Willesden Magistrates' Court was told that Tarrek and Saira Aslam had left the house at Castleton Gardens, Wembley, in an ‘appalling state of disrepair', including:

• persistent leaks from the bathroom
• windows in need of repair
• a collapsed ceiling
• and severe damp and mould growth.

A Brent Council environmental health and housing standards officer was called to the property in April 2014.

The officer made numerous telephone calls and sent letters giving detailed information on the works that needed to be done, and met Mr Aslam at Brent Civic Centre. Promises were made but the work was not done.

Brent Council served an improvement notice in June 2014 under sections 11 and 12 of the Housing Act 2004, detailing the state of the premises and the repairs needed. But most of the work still had not been done by the deadline of 5 September.

Mr and Mrs Aslam, of College Avenue, Harrow Wealdstone, were found guilty by magistrates of failing to comply with the requirements of the improvement notice.

Speaking after the case, Councillor 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 license risk a £20,000 fine."

Since 1 January 2015, most private sector landlords in Brent have needed a license. Landlords should apply at www.brent.gov.uk/prslicensing