A 'multiple occupancy' house has been shut down by Slough Borough Council in the first clampdown on rented properties that do not have a landlord licence.

The council acted after receiving numerous complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour coming from the house on Stoke Poges Lane.

Records revealed that the landlord had not applied for or been granted a licence for a multiple occupancy house - something that has been required by law since July 1.

Enforcement teams who arrived at the house found it in poor repair with mould, damp and an inadequate smoke detection system. Class A drugs, drug paraphernalia and knives were found and Thames Valley Police were called in during the execution of the warrant.

Eight people were arrested and later released pending further investigation.

The council then applied for a closure order under the Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 at Reading Magistrates’ Court and the property was immediately emptied. It will remain closed for the next three months.

Rhian Richards, the council’s housing regulation manager, said: “As council officers secured the property local residents were quick to come out and thank the officers involved for resolving the matter as they had been suffering due to the poor management of the property for a long time.

“We want to send a message to bad landlords and anti-social tenants that we will take all necessary steps to ensure they comply with the law and the standard of accommodation in the borough will be improved.

“We will also take robust action to deal with serious anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, particularly where it is having a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of the community.”

Under the new landlord licensing scheme a landlord of any rental property within the designated area covering parts of Chalvey and Central wards, is required to apply for and obtain a licence.

All licences last for five years.