A ‘rogue landlord’ who rented out a terrible tiny flat to a Gurkha veteran has been served a prohibition order.

Greenwich Council received a tip-off from members of the public about the shoddy living conditions in the Charlton ‘flat’.

The elderly Gurkha veteran, a British soldier of Nepalese nationality, was living with his wife in cramped and unsafe conditions at the back of a semi-detached house.

Police and members of the council raided the house on November 25 and found a series of ‘category one’ hazards.

The building was cold, damp and mouldy, with a tiny kitchen as the only means of going in and out of the flat.

The tiny shower and toilet were also very hard to access and were far from satisfactory or appropriate facilities for an elderly couple.

Members of the armed forces charity SSAFA, who work closely with the Nepalese Gurkha community, were invited to the raid to provide interpretation services and advice for the tenants.

The elderly couple were rehomed by the council in a new house with the appropriate support and assisted living features.

Councillor Jackie Smith, cabinet member for community safety and environment, said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich is sending a clear message to rogue landlords that renting out properties in unsafe and sub-standard condition is not only morally wrong; it is illegal.

“We will work closely with partners to ensure that residents, especially elderly residents vulnerable to exploitation, are afforded the appropriate protection and support.

“Cases such as this also underpin the importance of having a properly regulated private rented housing sector.

“I encourage residents to read about our proposals to extend licensing of houses in multiple occupation, participate in our consultation, and work with us to drive up standards.”