A landlord who did not hold licences for six properties has been slammed with a criminal conviction and a hefty fine.

Susannah Meisner, London, and her two companies London Land Holdings Ltd and London Land Holdings 1 Ltd faced legal proceedings at Reading Magistrates' Court on July 6 and 7.

It followed many attempts from Slough Borough Council to contact the landlord of properties in Greenwatt Way, Primary Road, Chalvey, regarding Selective Licenses and repairs.

The charges brought were under Section 95(1) of the Housing Act 2004, which states that it is illegal to operate a property without a license when it is required.

The landlord also failed to comply with a Statutory Nuisance Abatement Notice in breach of Section 80(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This was in relation to broken toilets in one property.

Ms Meisner attended court and gave evidence. She stated the companies were set up in order to buy the properties and she had handed over control and responsibility to her husband.

She denied having any involvement with the running of the companies at all.

The following day, her husband Joel Fried gave evidence.

He spoke about how he delegated everything to do with the property to another person and was under the impression the licensing was done.

He confirmed another management company was now dealing with the properties.

The Magistrates returned after an hour of consideration and convicted the defendants on all offences awarding full costs.

London Land Holdings was sentenced to a fine of £3,236 and costs of £1,553.

London Land Holdings 1 was sentenced to a fine of £5,393.75 and costs of £1,553, plus a surcharge of £108.

Susannah Meisner was sentenced to a fine of £4,228 and costs of £1,553.

In total, the costs and surcharges were £17,624.75.

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment and environmental services, said: “This case shows the importance of being a responsible landlord.

"You can’t just ignore your legal responsibilities to your tenants or ignore repeated contact from the council.

“We hope other landlords learn a lesson, will be responsive to issues reported and will ensure they have all the necessary licences to operate, for the protection of themselves and their tenants.”

The council finally received licence applications from newly appointed managing agents on June 27 and will work with them to tidy up the site, make repairs and process the applications to ensure the new arrangements are adequate.