Two rogue landlords have been fined a total of £100,000 after allowing 21 people – including three children and a baby – to live in a house overrun by cockroaches. The property on Bassingham Road in Wembley, northwest London, housed more than twice the permitted number of residents.
Council investigation uncovers serious hazards
Tenants raised concerns about property manager Meet Valand with Brent Council, prompting officers to investigate. They found a cockroach infestation, a broken stove, missing doors and fire safety breaches at the property.
The case went to court, where the failings were judged to amount to Category One harm – the highest level of housing hazard. Valand was convicted of seven offences and fined £40,000, plus a £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs.
Second landlord convicted and fined
Vispap Sarkari, who managed the property and rent collections, was also convicted. The court heard that Sarkari had failed to meet basic safety and maintenance standards, including not fixing problems with fire alarms, fire safety equipment, escape routes, a damaged porch door and cracked bathroom fixtures.
Sarkari, who had previous housing offences, was fined £50,000, a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183.85 in prosecution costs. Following his conviction for housing offences in March 2026 and these further findings, he is now eligible for a banning order.
Warning to landlords
A banning order prohibits a landlord or agent from letting or managing residential properties in the future. Councillor Robert Johnson said: ‘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.’
