An Ilford landlord who kept 23 people in overcrowded conditions has been fined.

Tenants in a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Beehive Lane, Gants Hill were forced to live without adequate cooking, washing and toilet facilities.

Enforcement officers found 16 people in the property in June this year, with further evidence of another seven occupants.

Marvel Estates Limited of 367 Katherine Road, Forest Gate were fined £7,500 as its licence from Redbridge Council only allowed six people to live in the property.

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are determined to root out rogue landlords and this financial penalty makes that clear. It is unacceptable for tenants to be living in conditions which fail to comply with legislated requirements.

“We want to work with landlords to prevent this kind of situation but if they are not willing to do so, our message is clear – we will find and fine you.”

Landlords that do not comply with the council’s licensing conditions face being prosecuted or fined up to £30,000.

The authority rolled out its selective licensing scheme earlier this year which covers 14 Redbridge wards.

The scheme demands that all privately rented properties in those wards are licensed to ensure they are used and occupied correctly, and are well managed.

Property owners or agents can apply for a licence from the council here.

Tenants can check to see if their landlord has been convicted of any housing offences here.