A rogue landlord in Reding has been handed a £23,000 fine for letting a HMO without the necessary license.

Mohammad Safdar, of Home Farm Close, had appealed the fine issued in July last year, claiming that the property had been unlawfully and unknowingly sublet by his tenants.

But after the former tenants all confirmed they had rented their rooms from Safdar and paid him the rent directly, the fine was upheld.

The landlord had previously been issued a notice for a different address, which he also claimed was unlawfully sublet, but for which he had paid a penalty notice.

Following Mohammad Safdar’s unsuccessful appeal, he was ordered to a pay a total cost of £22,861 to Reading Borough Council.

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