An estate agent in Barking has been fined for a second time after failing to apply for a property licence.

Primelodge Estates Ltd in Longbridge Road was fined £10,000 last November for failing to publicise its’ fees.

At Barking Magistrates Court on September 28, it was fined a further £7,000 over a flat it owned in Ashdown Court.

The court heard how the estate agent couldn’t provide documents proving who owned the flat, nor provide details of rental income and the deposit.

It is mandatory for all residential lettings in the borough to have a licence, and the agent was forced to pay a £6,000 fine, £742.50 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge as a result.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for enforcement, said: “This estate agent has shown a complete lack of regard for their legal duties and I hope this sends a strong message to them, and all other landlords and agents, that we will not hesitate to take action to protect our residents from those who put profit ahead of people.”