In illegal hobbit-sized basement flat with tiny window facing BRICK WALL as landlord fined £83k for letting it out

TWO landlords have been fined £83,000 for renting out a hobbit-sized basement flat with a tiny window to the wall.

The illegal underground dwelling had low ceilings, a tiny kitchen, and a bathroom with a staircase leading to a bed.

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Birmingham Crown Court heard it got almost no natural light thanks to a brick-encased window, reports BirminghamLive.

It was described as “dark and uncomfortable” and should not have been occupied by tenants, it said.

On December 15, two men were ordered to pay £67,000 over three months or face 16 months in prison.

They also have to pay £4,000 each over two months or three months behind bars, and a further £4,000 in council costs.

The confiscation order will recoup some of the profits the couple made from renting out the dingy Selly Oak property.

Both were previously told by the local authority not to rent the apartment anymore.

They ignored the order and were subsequently taken to court.

Cllr Martin Brookes, chairman of the Birmingham Planning Committee, said the accused had been given more than enough time.

“The property wasn’t big enough, with too few windows and low ceilings,” he added.

“It was a very unpleasant living environment.

“With the costs awarded to the City Council and the fines imposed, the total against these defendants came to £83,000.

“This is an important victory for the city and shows how the city deals with dubious landlords.

“This is a message that renting this type of property is very serious and the city will take strict action against rogue landlords.

“This is a warning to those people that renting unsuitable property is unacceptable.”

Under the Selective Licensing Scheme, landlords in the city must pay £700 for a license to show they are providing adequate accommodation or face criminal prosecution.

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