A ROGUE landlord has been fined £9,000 after failing to comply with health and safety notices.

Rashid Hussain was prosecuted using new council powers because of the state of a house in Longshaw Lane, Blackburn.

Under the Selective Licensing Scheme, being piloted in Ewood and Darwen, all owners of privately-rented properties need a licence to operate.

Failure to get a licence, or comply with the conditions, can lead to a fine.

Hussain, of Walter Lane, Blackburn, ignored rules to get a licence and was also found guilty, in his absence, at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, of renting to a family when the property was in no fit state to be lived in. He was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,400.

Ewood ward councillor Joe Smith said: “The neighbours have gone through hell.

"We want this to send out a message.”