Council ban for 'rogue landlord'

Mr Aslam has 21 days to lodge an appeal against the decision

A so-called "rogue landlord" has been banned from letting out property in Scotland's largest city.

Glasgow City Council used anti-social behaviour legislation to stop Mohammed Aslam from being included on the private landlords register.

It followed an investigation which concluded that he was "not a fit and proper person" to be a landlord.

Govanhill-based Mr Aslam is appealing the decision, which has effectively put him out of business.

The refusal to enter his name in the register authorises the council to serve rent penalty notices against him if he does not cease to act as a landlord.

This means that he would not be able to draw rent on any of his properties.

Landlords who fail to fulfil their responsibilities to their tenants, their property and the wider community must know that their behaviour will not be tolerated Councillor Steven Purcell Leader, Glasgow City Council

The evidence against Mr Aslam included a closure order served on one of his properties for failing to meet the basic tolerable standard for housing.

He was also served with two improvement notices and two prohibition notices in relation to gas safety regulations.

The council also took into consideration substantial council tax arrears on properties he had leased and the serving of seven abatement notices under environmental protection legislation.

Council leader Steven Purcell said this was the first time such powers had been used in Glasgow.

"Landlords who fail to fulfil their responsibilities to their tenants, their property and the wider community must know that their behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

"Whenever we find evidence to support the conclusion that someone is not a fit and proper person to be a landlord we will use our powers.

"We are prepared to drive rogue landlords out of the private rented sector. Either they can stop renting out their properties or sell up - the choice is simple."