Leeds University's student union has welcomed a decision fine a rogue landlord who showed a disregard for housing regulations but still believe tougher legislation is needed to safeguard tenants.

The union’s comments follow a court case involving Tariq Mahmood Zaman, whose dodgy practices had previously been the subject of a BBC Television Watchdog investigation.

Zaman recently pleaded guilty to renting out four unlicensed HMO properties when he appeared before Leeds Magistrates. He and his brother Kahlid Mahmood Zaman now face fines of more than £11,000.

Watchdog secretly filmed Tariq Zaman back in 2008 after complaints that students were being left thousands of pounds out of pocket because he refused to refund deposits paid to his lettings agency Providence Properties where he was a director.

He was recorded telling a disgruntled tenant: “Listen mate, getting a county court judgment doesn't mean nothing, it does not guarantee that you'll get your money back.”

It also transpired that he had 17 county court judgements against him but although the court had ruled in their favour, student tenants still could not get their money back.

In an interview with Watchdog, a spokesperson from Leeds City Council said: “Tariq Zaman has been named as a HMO licence holder for 18 properties owned by his family.

“Due to the prosecutions, the council has taken the view that he is no longer a fit and proper person and we are now taking steps to remove his licence completely.”

Tariq Zaman declined to comment when invited by Watchdog to give his latest view on the situation.