Legal News
Oxfordshire Landlord Blocked Escape Routes (21 October 2011)
Date: 21/10/2011
An Oxfordshire landlord has been found guilty of ‘blocking escape routes and failing to ensure a constant supply of electricity’ was provided to tenants at the home he rented out. Sikander Hayat admitted to seven charges of failing to comply with regulations for houses with multiple occupants. Banbury Magistrates’ Court fined Mr. Hayat a total of £9,500 over charges relating to his Glamis Place property, located in Banbury. Banbury Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr. Hayat had failed to ensure that the property had a working fire alarm system and a constant supply of electricity. He also failed to ensure that the property had unobstructed escape routes and appropriate refuse disposal arrangements.
Cherwell District Council, who led prosecution proceedings against Mr. Hayat, claimed to be committed to dealing with landlords who provide unsatisfactory housing in the area. The council has told of how the majority of their enforcement work is achieved informally and, in cases where they uncover serious breaches of the law or in which landlords or managers repeatedly fail to maintain properties in the way in which the law requires, the council will take them to court. Mr. Hayat was ordered to pay Cherwell District Council £300 in costs.
Duncan Lewis’ housing solicitors are able to deal with landlord-tenant disputes. The department is able to provide representation to both landlords and tenants who have committed themselves to settling disputes in court. The team assures the highest quality of assistance throughout all housing cases and aims to address all cases in a fast, efficient manner.