A rogue landlord who rented out a shoddy property in north west London has become the first to be fined under Brent council's new landlord licensing scheme.
Douglas Gerard-Reynolds was found guilty of renting out a House in Multiple Occupation without the required licence. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,457 and victim surcharge of £100 by Willesden magistrates court.
The property in Cricklewood contained 10 units of accommodation and was in a poor condition. Tenants had also complained about inadequate heating facilities and water leaks.
From January 1 this year it became a legal requirement for landlords in Brent to have a licence for their properties - a selective scheme licence is now required for all rental properties within the Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green areas, whilst a Mandatory/Additional Scheme Licence is required for every House in Multiple Occupation throughout the borough.
"Landlord licensing will drive up the quality of thousands of privately rented properties in Brent and help us to protect the minority of tenants plagued by rogue landlords" claims a spokesman for the council.
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