A rogue landlord has been fined a “record” £48,000 for his “uninhabitable” house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

Tariq Javed’s property in St Johns Road, Aylesbury, was regularly inspected by officers from Buckinghamshire Council from October 2019 to February 2020, with multiple warnings that it did not meet minimum standards.

Failures included a non-working fire detection unit, obstructed fire escape routes, trip hazards and lack of lighting on staircase and other escape routes.

There was also a danger of electrocution and the kitchen was described as being “unfit for use”.

He also failed to provide officers with legal documents such tenancy agreements and gas safety certificates, and failed to comply with an improvement notice to bring the property up to an acceptable standard.

Javed failed to appear before the court to explain his actions and was fined £48,000 which included over £6,000 in costs.

Upon conviction, the magistrate said: “We believe Mr Javed exercises control and manages the property.

“Within the property hygiene was woefully lacking, it was uninhabitable. The kitchen was unfit for use, the gas supply was a risk and there was danger of electrocution.”

“Importantly the escape routes were cluttered and dangerous due to trip hazards and a child could fall through the gaps in the staircase banister.”

Nigel Dicker, service director for housing and regulatory services for Buckinghamshire Council, said: “Mr Javed failed in his duty as a Landlord to provide decent, safe and clean accommodation for his tenants.

“He did not comply with legal requests from Council officers to carry out the works needed to improve the property.

“We hope this substantial fine sends the loud and clear message to any landlord who puts profits ahead of people that we will always take action to protect our residents.”