Emmanuela Nwankwo, of Headington, Oxford, was prosecuted after she failed to return a completed HMO licensing application form and fee for her three storey property in Chester Road, Canning Town.

Stratford Magistrates' Court heard how she failed to return a completed licensing application form and fee following numerous requests from the council.

The defendant was found guilty in her absence. Nwankwo was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £279.69 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Executive member for housing, process and business efficiency, Councillor Andrew Baikie, said: "This prosecution demonstrates that the council will continue to take strong action against rogue landlords where they fail to meet their obligations as a responsible landlord. Any landlord whose property comprises three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more people must apply for a licence or face prosecution."