TWO rogue landlords were handed a hefty fine for illegally renting out a ‘bed in a shed’ following action by enforcement officers.

Manjit Singh Virk and Paramjit Kaur Virk admitted breaching a planning enforcement notice when they appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.

They were jointly fined £12,000 and they were ordered to pay £2,472 for Hillingdon Council's legal costs.

The couple, who live in Iver, had been charging people to live in an outbuilding in Roseville Road, Hayes.

A neighbour alerted officers, who obtained a warrant to enter the premises. Along with the UK Border Agency, they carried out a search and confirmed the outbuilding was being lived in.

A planning enforcement notice was then served on the Virks, ordering them to stop renting it out and for the kitchen, bathroom and service meters to be removed, but they failed to comply.

Cllr Keith Burrows, cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling, said: "The council takes a very dim view of rogue landlords cashing in by allowing people to live in poor conditions.

“This couple were given an opportunity to stop what they were doing but totally ignored the warnings, so court action was necessary.

"I am glad the courts have seen fit to hand down a significant fine."

Residents who suspect someone of breaching planning or housing regulations can report it to the council on 01895 250230.