Ealing Council has taken legal action against two landlords for flouting housing laws.

Mian Riaz was found guilty of failing to license a house of multiple occupation in Coldershaw Road, West Ealing and fined £5,000 at Acton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 December.

He was also fined £10,500 for a further 14 offences of failing to comply with management regulations in respect of the house and the facilities and equipment in it by failing to keep it in good repair, maintained, clean and in good order. Riaz who was not present in court will also have to pay £1000 in costs.

Sajida Shakeel was found guilty of failing to license a house of multiple occupation and fined £500 at Acton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 December. She was also fined a further £1,000 for failing to supply information to the council about everyone living at her property in Langtry Road, Northolt. She will also have to pay £637 costs.

New regulations introduced under the Housing Act (2004), that came into effect last year, mean people must obtain a license if several people are living independently in the same house. Exceptions are people in a relationship or in the same family group. Failure to licence the houses can result in a fine of up to £20.000.

The purpose of the law is to protect tenants and raise the standard of rental accommodation. Ealing Council will take enforcement action against those thought to be breaching the legislation.