A landlord from Harrow has been banned from letting or managing housing in England for five years after Brent Council uncovered overcrowding and unsafe living conditions at rental properties in Wembley.
According to Brent Council, Sanjay Patel had more than 18 people living in a house on Wyld Way that was only licensed for a maximum of seven occupants.
Council enforcement officers found four people sharing a single attic room, locked windows that could not be opened and faulty smoke alarms throughout the property.
The most serious conditions were discovered in an undeclared outbuilding, where a couple and their four-month-old baby were living without heating or electricity.
The family was referred to Brent Council’s Housing Needs and Support service for immediate help.
Earlier this year, Willesden Magistrates’ Court fined Patel £87,000 for housing breaches. He was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,788 in prosecution costs, bringing the total to £91,788.
A tribunal has now issued a banning order preventing him from letting housing or carrying out property management and letting agency work for five years.
The latest order follows another enforcement case in 2024, when Patel was handed a £50,000 fine for housing offences linked to a property on Vivian Avenue in Wembley.
After tenants reported problems including rats, leaks and a broken toilet, enforcement officers found eight people, including two children, living in a house only suitable for five people.
Brent Council said the property also had mould, faulty doors, blocked hallways and serious disrepair.
Thomas Cattermole, Corporate Director of Resident and Housing Services, said: “This banning order sends a clear message that Brent does not tolerate landlords who put profit before people’s safety.
“Every resident deserves a safe and secure home. The council will continue using the strongest enforcement powers available to protect tenants and hold rogue landlords to account.”
Brent Council said it will continue taking action against landlords who breach housing standards and urged private landlords in the borough to ensure properties are properly licensed and meet legal safety requirements.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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