A property management duo has been hit with a £100,000 fine for renting out a property with a catalogue of serious problems, including a cockroach infestation and fire-safety breaches.

Meet Valand, the property manager and licence holder of 50 Bassingham Road in Wembley, squeezed more than 20 people, including three children and a 10-month-old baby into the severely overcrowded property. He allowed more than twice the number of people permitted under the licence to live there.

After tenants raised concerns with Brent Council, officers uncovered a catalogue of serious problems, including the bug infestation, fire-safety breaches, and inadequate kitchen facilities, including broken stoves and missing doors.

The court found that the failings amounted to Category 1 harm. Valand was convicted of seven offences and fined £40,000, with a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183 in prosecution costs.

Vispap Sarkari, who managed the property and rent collections, was also convicted.

Failed

The court heard that Sarkari failed to meet basic safety and maintenance standards, including problems with fire alarms, fire safety equipment, escape routes, a damaged porch door and cracked bathroom fixtures.

As he was considered a repeat offender with previous housing offences, he was fined £50,000, with a further £2,000 victim surcharge and £3,183 in prosecution costs. Following his conviction for housing offences in March 2026 and these further findings, he is now eligible for a banning order.

Councillor Robert Johnson, cabinet member for housing, homelessness & renters (pictured left), says 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,” he adds. “Property licencing is a key tool in helping the council raise housing standards, improve living conditions and tackle rogue landlords.”

Following the council’s action, the owner of the property has made significant improvements to the property.

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