The owner of a rented property in Southall has received a penalty of more than £20,000 having pleaded guilty to managing an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Following a preliminary hearing at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 7 April Ajmeet Singh, 41, of Waverley Close, Southall, was fined £17,900 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £200, a total penalty of £20,100.

He had pleaded guilty to managing an unlicensed HMO and three offences in breach of HMO management regulations in relation to a property at 102A The Green, Southall, UB2 4BQ.

The court heard from Mr Singh, who ran the shop below the unlicensed HMO, that he was unaware of his responsibilities concerning the accommodation.

This was despite the council raising issues about the property being unlicensed and Mr Singh not complying with HMO management regulations, resulting in the prosecution being brought against him for the offences.

The bench summed up that Mr Singh showed a flagrant disregard for the law due to his lack of response to the issues raised by the council and was wilful and persistent in avoiding them.

Pat Hayes, executive director for regeneration and housing said: "With all the information currently available about regulations for licensing and managing private rented properties, it is unbelievable that any reputable owner would be unaware of their responsibilities."

"Mr Singh deliberately chose to ignore issues raised by the council about the licensing and condition of the property and has received a significant penalty for his blatant dishonesty."

"The council is committed to ensuring all residents in the borough have decent, safe homes to live in. We will take robust action against unscrupulous landlords who fail to comply with regulations and I hope this case sends a stark warning to those who knowingly break the law."

Mr Ajmeet Singh was fined for one offence for managing an unlicensed HMO contrary to S72 (1) of the Housing Act 2004 and three offences in breach of HMO management regulations contrary to S234 (3) and (5) of the Housing Act 2004.