A rogue landlord in Feltham has been ordered to pay more than £16,000 for breaching an enforcement notice.
Homeowner Jahanara Salik was given permission to build a side extension on her property in Eastbourne Road, but then converted it into two self-contained open plan studio flats.
These were fitted with kitchen facilities, beds and bathrooms to house tenants, which she did not have permission for.
An appeal was lodged to the Planning Inspectorate in 2014 but she lost.
Mrs Salik was then taken to court by Hounslow Council before finally complying with the legal notice.
She was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge and £3,000 in council costs - a total of £16,120 - by Feltham Magistrates’ Court in April.
Councillor Sue Sampson, cabinet member for community protection at Hounslow council, said: “We don’t issue enforcement notices lightly. They are issued because there is a reason for the property owner to take action.
“Those who fail to take this action will always face the harshest of penalties.
“For too long, unscrupulous landlords have tried to make money from blatant breaches of planning laws.
“Let this prosecution serve as an example to anyone thinking of doing the same - we will always take the toughest action against you for the sake and safety of our residents.”
In April, 'illegal' beds in sheds were demolished as Hounslow's clampdown on the issue continues.
