Edinburgh Council has used its powers to prevent landlords from renting out property for the first time, against a man who flouted a previous ban.

Evidence was heard at the City of Edinburgh Council's Regulatory Committee where Yousef Mohammed's application to operate a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at a flat in the south of the city was refused.

In addition his name was removed from the landlord register when Councillors decided he did not meet the fit and proper person criteria. The result is that Mr Mohammed can no longer operate as a residential landlord in Edinburgh.

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Councillors heard evidence that Mr Mohammed had failed to adequately tell them about his criminal convictions and defied previous decisions of the Council where he continued to rent out properties whilst not holding a licence.

Landlords of private rented residences must register and get a licence for houses with three or more unrelated tenants.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Convenor of the Regulatory Committee, said: "Edinburgh is open for all landlords who manage their properties and ensure that they are in good condition and that tenants can be safe and secure. However, for those who don't, the Council will take firm action. I would encourage everyone seeking to rent privately to check the landlord register to ensure that their prospective landlord is registered."

In August 2011 the legal test for being fit and proper to hold an HMO licence and to be on the Landlord Register were made the same and the maximum fine for breaking the legalisation increased to £50,000 for both offences.

(NE/GK)