A landlord has been ordered to repay his tenants more than £5,000 after renting an unlicensed House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Mohammed Shah Kamal Ahmed, of Leytonstone, was found guilty of renting a property in Leyton High Road without a license at Thames Magistrates' Court on November 25 last year.

Since his conviction, Waltham Forest Council’s tenants’ advocacy service Cambridge House has been able to help two of Ahmed’s former tenants reclaim £3,755 and £1,741 respectively.

A council spokesperson said, "Unlicensed landlords put their tenants' lives at risk. If your landlord is not licensed you may not be safe as the property will not meet expected safety standards.

“There may not be a fire escape, safety equipment may not be thoroughly checked, or the electrics may not be up to standard.

"We target the rogue landlords who put their tenants' lives at risk, and our message is clear: if you do not have a license, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will assist your tenants to claim back the money they have paid you.

“The safety of our residents is our primary concern - we will always seek the maximum penalties for anyone who endangers them.”

If you believe your landlord may not have a license, or has concerns about a private rental property, email: propertylicensing@walthamforest.gov.uk.