AN 'unscrupulous' landlord has been fined nearly £70,000 after he failed to licence four properties in East Acton.

Gunapalan Vamathevan, also known as Mr Bala, put his tenants’ safety at risk by ignoring prohibition orders for hazardous staircases and an improvement notice for a lack of fire safety.

The properties in question are 51 and 53-55 Old Oak Common Lane, and 10 St Andrews Rd in W3.

Mr Vamathevan received fines for nine offences at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on August 6.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for safety, culture and community services, said: “This case is a significant result against an unscrupulous landlord who has previously been prosecuted by the council for his disregard of licensing regulations.

“We make every effort to ensure residents in our borough are well protected and have decent living standards.

“We take a tough line against anyone who deliberately flouts the law and Mr Vamathevan has quite rightly been given a very heavy penalty for his prolonged and intentional illegal behaviour.”

Ealing Council officers inspecting the properties in 2014 - at Old Oak Common Lane in June and St Andrews Rd in October - found they were being operated as unlicensed HMOs (houses in multiple occupation).

Mr Vamathevan eventually submitted applications for the HMO licence in February this year after prosecution for the offences had begun.

To report any concerns or suspected breaches relating to HMOs, email propertyregulation@ealing.gov.uk