A landlord is facing prosecution after 30 occupants were discovered rammed into a squalid three-bedroom property in east London.
The house in Dagenham was raided by police and council officers on 16 December and children were among those found living in dirty conditions.
More than 25 people were thought to be living in the main building in Albert Close and two were in an illegal makeshift shed in the garden, officials said.
Margaret Mullane, Barking and Dagenham council’s cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “I find it terribly depressing. It is exploitation. Misery is inflicted on people in the name of bad landlords trying to make a profit.
“I can’t even imagine having children living in those conditions. Until the housing crisis is dealt with, you will keep getting these rogue landlords, but we will keep fighting them.”
She hailed the raid as an “excellent example” of partnership between the council and the police.
Cllr Mullane added: “Landlords and letting agents operating in Barking and Dagenham have to play by the rules. If you are going to let out your home, then you must get a licence which ensures your property meets agreed standards and is safe.
“If you fail to do so, we will find you and we will take robust enforcement action which may also lead to a prosecution and a large fine.”
The local authority said it was serving the landlord with an enforcement notice for infringements under the Housing Act - including damp, fire safety, and disrepair.
The landlord could be hit with an unlimited fine plus court costs if he is convicted.
Police also arrested a man at the unlicensed property who was wanted for not turning up to court.
It comes after a massive iPhone advert that obstructed natural light for poverty-hit families living in an east London apartment block was removed after campaigners demanded it was pulled down.
A report by The Independent revealed inhabitants could not see daylight out of their windows for three years after the advertising hoarding was erected.
