A landlord and managing agent in east London have been ordered to repay more than £90,000 following an investigation into unsafe housing conditions and illegal activity at a rental property in Wanstead.
The repayment order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act after the council uncovered serious breaches linked to a five-bedroom property that was allegedly being used to cultivate illegal drugs while also bypassing electricity supplies from the National Grid.
The investigation began after reports were made to the local authority, with the Metropolitan Police later confirming criminal activity at the address following an arrest.
Council officials said the case forms part of ongoing efforts to target rogue landlords and improve standards within the private rented sector.
When council housing enforcement officers first inspected the property, they found it empty and in a poor state of repair. The managing agent was informed that remedial work would be required before the house could legally be occupied again.
However, during a follow-up inspection, officers discovered ten unrelated men living at the address. Inspectors identified five serious hazards alongside a number of additional safety concerns.
The council subsequently issued a Prohibition Order preventing the property from being occupied until the hazards had been addressed. Investigators later found that the landlord and managing agent continued to allow tenants to live at the property for more than a year despite the order remaining in place.
The case was referred to Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the court also considered proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Chad Miah, who owned the property, and All Season Lettings and Management were ordered to pay £91,068 in fines, costs and confiscation orders.
