Research scientist Efstathios Theodoridis, 55, appealed the decision when blocked by the council from renting the tiny room, but continued regardless when he lost.
Southwark Council inspectors checked standards at the four-bedsit house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Langdon Way, Bermondsey on October 21, last year and also found the fire alarm system was sub-standard.
Greek-born Theodoridis, an immunobiology specialist at Guy's Hospital, Southwark says he has spent £18,000 to rectify the issues raised by the inspectors.
He currently has three occupants at the property with only one paying rent and the other two facing eviction proceedings.
Theodoridis, of South Terrace, Surbiton, Kingston-upon-Thames appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court, where he was fined £2,000 on each summons and was ordered to pay £3,198 costs.
He pleaded guilty to renting out the property to more occupants than was allowed under the licence between September 1, 2020 and October 21, last year.
Prosecutor Ryan Thompson, representing the London Borough of Southwark, told the court Theodoridis was limited to renting the property to four people from three family groups.
However, inspectors found occupants from four family groups.
Theodoridis did not have permission to rent one particular room that was 5.2m square, but it was occupied by one of his residents.
He also pleaded guilty to failing to ensure his name, address and telephone contact number were available to each resident and clearly displayed in a prominent position within the HMO.
Theodoridis further pleaded guilty to a summons of failing to properly protect the occupants due to an insufficient fire detection system; doors to the four bedsits were missing intumescent strips, cold smoke seals and self-closers and the kitchen door was missing intumescent strips and cold smoke seals.
He also pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that all means of escape from fire in the HMO were kept free from obstruction as the entrance hall and first floor area of the common parts escape route was used for storage.
The court heard the property had once been Theodoridis' own family home, but in recent years had been licenced by Southwark Council to be a HMO.
He produced three references from former residents, who commended Theodoridis for the condition he maintained the property in and attention and care he took regarding his tenants.
One even described him as “the best landlord I have ever had”, adding Theodoridis also mixed with his tenants socially and adhered to his responsibilities.
During the Covid crisis he was considered a key worker for his hospital research role.
District Judge Nigel McLean told Theodoridis: “You utilised the appeal procedure so knew you could not rent that room, but did so regardless.”
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