More than 20 people, including three children and a 10-month old baby, were found living in a Wembley property. The landlord was called to pay £100,000 fine for various serious housing hazards.
After tenants raised concerns with the council, officers uncovered a disturbing list of serious problems.
They discovered a cockroach infestation, fire-safety breaches, and inadequate kitchen facilities, including broken stoves and missing doors.
Justice Served
Valand is the property manager and licence holder of 50 Bassingham Road. 21 tenants is more than twice the number of people permitted to live there, yet he allowed it.
The court found that the failings amounted to Category 1, the highest level of housing hazards. Fire safety was the greatest concern.
Mr Valand was convicted of seven offences, fined £40,000, with a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs.
However, he was not the only offender
Vispap Sarkari, who managed the property and rent collections, was also convicted. He was subsequently investigated, and was found to be a repeat offender.
Sarkari had multiple aliases and associates linked to him, including Mr Sanjay Patel who was recently given a five-year banning order. There was also evidence of illegal activity. He had failed to meet basic safety and maintenance standards, such as fire alarm problems and fire safety equipment. Furthermore, there was a damaged porch door and cracked bathroom fixtures.
Due to previous housing offences, he was fined £50,000, with a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs.
Because of his convictions for housing offences in March 2026 and these findings, he’s now eligible for a banning order.
Following the council’s intervention, the owner of the property had made significant improvements to the property. The owner is continuing to work with the council to ensure the property meets the conditions of its HMO licence and remains compliant with licence requirements.
Lessons and Reminders
Councillor Robert Johnson quotes:
These convictions should serve as a warning to any landlord or property manager in Brent who chooses to ignore their responsibilities and put profit before people. Residents deserve safe, secure housing and are encouraged to report poor conditions or unlawful practices so we can protect tenants and hold landlords to account. Property licensing is a key tool in helping the council raise housing standards, improve living conditions and tackle rogue landlords.”
If you are a landlord renting out properties in Brent, you need a licence. However, you are exempt if it is a single household property in Wembley Park.
Be warned, landlords who don’t have a licence may face hefty fines or prosecution, as the council increases enforcements.
Source: Brent Council
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Written by Ejemen.
