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Unlicensed landlord prosecuted – and repays 12 months’ rent as a result (21 March 2017)

Date: 21/03/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Unlicensed landlord prosecuted – and repays 12 months’ rent as a result

Landlords in the Griffin area are being urged to make sure they’ve signed up to the council’s selective licensing scheme after a landlord was ordered to pay around £3,000 for failing to obtain one.

At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, landlord Phillip Hughes, 50, of Watford Road in St Albans, Hertfordshire was prosecuted for failing to apply for a licence for 27 Francis Street in Blackburn, which is in the Griffin Selective Licensing area.

Hughes was fined £500 with £2,274 costs and a victim surcharge of £50.

The conviction also means the tenant can also claim back the previous 12 months’ rent that he has paid to the landlord.

Under the scheme operated by the council – intended to make sure privately rented properties are well managed – landlords risk heavy fines for failure to obtain a licence.

Licences are issued for up to five years to those who meet a number of criteria – including carrying out annual gas safety checks, an electrical safety check, providing energy performance certificates, fitting and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and providing occupants with a written tenancy agreement.

Landlords who are prosecuted may also have to return rental payments dating back 12 months if their tenants are in receipt of Housing Benefit.

Blackburn and Darwen Council currently has two selective licensing schemes, which were introduced after extensive consultation with local residents.

Executive member for Neighbourhood and Prevention Services, Councillor Arshid Mahmood, said:

“Our vision is to build safer and stronger communities and improve people’s health and wellbeing – and we believe Selective Licensing can help us to achieve that.

“I would urge landlords who are letting properties within the Selective Licensing Areas to ensure they have submitted full applications, to avoid being prosecuted.”


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