Masaaki​ Imaeda​, the property owner who illegally used an industrial lot in Alexandria as a squalid makeshift housing complex for foreign students, has been fined $215,000.

Fire engulfed the property in Burrows Road in July 2014, almost killing the 13 Japanese and Korean nationals who were renting a spot on the site, which was a "chaotic" mix of four decrepit caravans, a pantech truck, an office building and a rundown bus.

Police interview Masaaki Imaeda at the scene of the fire in Alexandria in July 2014. Credit:Peter Rae

The extensive fire completely destroyed a government building next door.

On Friday, the Land and Environment Court fined Imaeda $215,000 and ordered him to pay $71,000 in costs.