Water damage, a leaking roof, and black mould in cupboards are just some of the issues found in properties run by a rogue private landlord in Richmond.

East Sheen Estates Limited has been fined tens of thousands of pounds after Richmond council took the landlord to court after responding to complaints of poor housing conditions in five of its rented flats.

When authorities contacted the landlords about these issues, which amounted to breaches of the Housing Act 2004, the owners reportedly failed to carry out the necessary repairs.

This led to the council issuing two financial penalty notices, resulting in a £10,000 fine.

However a further inspection of one of the flats showed the condition of the property had "significantly worsened" prompting the council to issue a prohibition order to prevent the flat being occupied.

A council spokesperson said: "Upon reinspecting the flat in February 2020, it was revealed that it was still occupied, despite the prohibition order.

"As a result, the council took the company to court last month under section 32 of the Housing Act. During the hearing, the letting agent was fined over £15,000."

Richmond Council has also sought a rent repayment order of £6,857.18 for one of the flats, which East Sheen Estates Limited will be required to pay within 28 days.

Nick Steevens, Head of Regulatory Services for Richmond Council, said: "Rogue landlords should take notice that the council will not hesitate to act when it comes to sub-standard housing."

He reassured renters in the borough that the team "works hard to investigate complaints and improve the borough's housing standards" and said the team was "pleased" with the outcome of the investigation.

He encouraged residents who might be experiencing issues to contact them on 0208 545 3025 or [email protected]

Sian Bayley is a Local Democracy Reporter. you can read her last piece on the virtual hustings with South-West London GLA seat candidates here.