THE case of a dodgy Dudley landlord who was ordered to pay a court bill of £12,000 has prompted a stark warning.

Latif Rehman, of Lordswood Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to 14 offences, including not being licensed as a private landlord, when he appeared before Dudley magistrates court.

Rehman, aged 55, owns a property in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, where he failed to ensure fire escapes were free from obstruction and fixtures, fittings and electrical appliances were safely maintained.

Among a total of 14 offences Rehman also admitted not being licensed as a private landlord, he was fined £6,000 for not being licensed and £400 each for the remaining 13 offences. He was also asked to pay £725 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge..

Councillor Steve Waltho, Dudley cabinet member for housing, said: “This prosecution should act as a reminder to all private landlords to ensure they are properly licensed and their properties are kept in a good state. If landlords don’t manage properties properly they are putting peoples’ lives at risk and we will not hesitate to take these matters through the courts.”