A landlord has been ordered by a court to pay more than £45,000 after he allowed his tenants to live in cockroach-infested properties.

Zain Khan, 26, was told by district judge Leo Pyle at Nottingham Magistrates Court: “Human beings in the 20th century do not have to live in these conditions.”

The judge also criticised Nottingham City Council’s “tolerance” over a long period, given Khan’s failure to apply for an HMO licence for any of the three properties concerned.

The health of Khan’s tenants was put at risk, said the judge. Not only was there cockroach infestation, but dangerous electrics and poorly maintained kitchens and bathrooms.

Khan pleaded guilty to 20 offences of failing to license and failure to manage HMOs.

Sarah Mills, for Nottingham City Council, told the court the offences were committed for commercial benefit.

Judge Pyle ordered Khan, whose father owns the properties, to pay £45,628 plus £6,958 costs.