A landlord has been prosecuted for endangering the lives of tenants by letting out five very poorly managed and unlicensed houses in High Road, Ilford.

Both Amarjit Sanger, 37, of Levett Gardens, Goodmayes and ARJ Investments Limited, which Mr Sanger is a director of, were successfully prosecuted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday of last week.

They pleaded guilty to a total of 75 Housing Act offences and received fines of £37,900 after disregarding housing legislation and placing tenants’ at considerable risk.

There were unsafe gas and electrical installations and the properties had been poorly converted into multiple occupancy houses without planning or building control consent.

The properties also lacked adequate means of escape from fire and fire alarms had not been installed.

Following the initial inspection in September 2011, investigations by Redbridge Council housing standards team lead to the discovery of a further four unlicensed multiple occupancy houses in the same road.

Tenants were also found living in a cellar without any natural lighting or ventilation.

Following the council’s intervention, the properties are no longer used for multiple occupancy homes and a major refurbishment programme has be carried out by the landlord.

Cllr Michelle Dunn, cabinet member for housing said: “Redbridge is working hard to help drive up standards in the private rented sector and while the vast majority of landlords manage their properties well, there are some who flout the law and place their tenants’ lives at risk.

“These prosecutions serve as a good reminder to all landlords of their responsibilities to their tenants.”

If you have any concerns about a privately rented property call 020 8554 5000.