Plymouth-based David McCabe, who has been a landlord for 30 years, was fined £28,000 after being found guilty of 28 counts of breaching housing regulations and failing to clean up two of his homes. Plymouth Council has also applied for McCabe to be banned from letting property.

Council lawyer Helen Morris said in court the two houses were “in a state of Dickensian squalor”, the Plymouth Herald reported.

“They did not meet modern housing standards. These are vulnerable tenants on very limited means,” she added. “The council tried to work with him for many years and he is brought before court as a last resort.”

The court heard how the two properties, which McCabe had split into six bedsits, had dirty floors, walls and rotten wood. The back yards were cluttered with tyres, furniture and timber. The tenants were single men on benefits, some of whom had issues with alcohol.

McCabe, who pleaded not guilty to 26 of the counts, said some of the council’s complaints were “petty” and that he could not be expected to be aware of minor problems unless tenants reported them.

He said he would provide a cooker and fridge, but not always a bed.

The council’s application for an ASBO is due to be heard next month. Cabinet member for Cooperatives and Community Development councillor Chris Penberthy said after the case: “We work with landlords and landlords’ representatives and the majority do keep their properties in good order.”

“They expect us to take action against poor landlords who undermine their reputation and that of the private rented sector generally.”