‘Rogue’ landlord fined for rats and mold in rented-out bedsits in Mile End

A landlord who rented out dark, rat-infested and overcrowded rooms in London’s East End has been hit with a huge fine.

Liakath Ali, 40, was ordered to pay a £37,000 Confiscation Order for offences at his property at Moody Street in Mile End.

The order follows Tower Hamlets council’s financial investigation that uncovered Ali’s rental income and his equity in the four properties he owned.

Ali, from Bedfordshire, was also ordered to pay £12,500 in fines and £17,500 costs, totalling £67,000.

The fines were imposed for a rat infestation, lack of fire alarms and fire doors, widespread mold, overcrowding and an illegally-partitioned room.

One room had inadequate light, and two that were only suitable for one occupant each had four people squeezed into them.

“We only take enforcement action against rogue landlords as a last resort,” Tower Hamlets cabinet member Sirajul Islam said.

“For landlords to flout the law when it comes to people’s safety is irresponsible and dangerous.

“It is vital that landlords rent out their properties legally—we trust them to make sure they have safety measures to protect their tenants.”

The offences under the Housing Act were originally dealt with by Thames magistrates, who found Ali guilty in his absence and passed the case to Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing.

The confiscated cash is to be shared between the Courts Service, the government and Tower Hamlets council to fund future enforcement measures.