�Landlords were fined thousands of pounds after failing to look after properties in a council crackdown.

Islington Council brought the prosecutions at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court against three different private sector landlords – and they were fined a total of �8,000.

Nadia Boudjema, landlord of accommodation in City Road, Islington and owner of Eurolets in Danbury Street, was fined �4,000 with costs of �1,180 after he ignored a council instruction to install a fire alarm.

The issue was highlighted when a tenant narrowly escaped from a fire only after a neighbour raised the alarm.

Rhys Powell, London Fire Brigade Borough Commander for Islington, said: “The fire service and the council are committed to keeping people in the borough safe and this verdict sends out a clear message that if landlords ignore fire safety then they will face serious penalties.”

Two landlords were also punished for not improving family homes affected by damp.

‘Warning’

Ozay Haz, who owns Future Homes in Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, was fined �2,000 relating to a property in Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park.

Mezhut Bano had to pay �2,000 and �947 costs for failing to act at his property in Hatley Road, Finsbury Park.

Cllr James Murray, executive member for housing, said: “Everyone in Islington has the right to a decent home.

“In the week that we are announcing new guidance on fire safety on our estates, these prosecutions underline just how importantly we take our responsibilities to residents’ health and safety.

“Where landlords don’t follow the rules, we’ll take them to court.

“Private landlords not providing an acceptable standard of accommodation should take warning.”