Rogue landlords in Brent have been brought to heel by an order to repay over half a million pounds following multiple penalties and several years of illegal activity.
Inderjeet and Jasvinder Chokkar converted a three bedroom family home into six small flats without planning permission. The flats were then rented out despite the lack of approval, generating significant income over several years. Brent Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the property to be returned to its original use, but this instruction was repeatedly ignored.
The couple continued to let the substandard flats, despite being fully aware of the breach of planning regulations. As rogue landlords in Brent, they persisted even after formal action was taken against them. Their behaviour eventually led to a conviction for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice, and an appeal against that conviction was unsuccessful.
Following the conviction, the court ordered the recovery of £564,367, representing the full proceeds obtained from the illegal conversions. Additional penalties were imposed. Mr Chokkar received a £25,000 fine and faces up to 12 months in prison if the fine is not paid. Mrs Chokkar was fined £15,000, with a potential custodial sentence of eight months for non payment. Their company, Housing Solutions (GB) Ltd, was fined a further £25,000.
The court also ordered the payment of nearly £50,000 to cover council enforcement, prosecution and legal costs. In total, the combined fines, costs and confiscation order amounted to £679,142. The court considered the poor quality and small size of the flats, as well as the couple’s experience in property and their repeated refusals to comply with the law.
The case highlights the consequences faced by rogue landlords in Brent who disregard planning controls and tenant welfare. The financial motive behind the prolonged breach was a key factor in the court’s decision.
Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, commented on the outcome. She said: “These rogue landlords have felt the full force of the law after choosing to rip off tenants, house them in substandard conditions and ignore planning regulations. This kind of exploitation is illegal, and we will root out every last landlord in Brent who behaves like this and take them to court.”
She added: “If you break planning laws and exploit tenants in Brent, we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice. You will pay the price.”
