A rented property owner in Southall has been charged more than £20,000 for managing an unlicensed house.
Ajmeet Singh, of Waverley Close, Hayes, pleaded guilty to managing an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in The Green, Southall.
A court heard that Mr Singh, who ran the shop below the unlicensed HMO property, was unaware of his responsibilities regarding the accomodation.
Ealing Council, who accused Mr Singh of a "flagrant disregard for the law", said it made efforts to raise the issue with the owner but he did not comply.
A HMO is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one household, such as a family, but share facilities.
The 41-year-old was fined £17,900 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £200 totalling to an overall penalty of £20,100.
Mr Singh also pleaded guilty to three offences in breach of HMO management regulations.
'Blatant dishonesty'
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."
