Legal News

A landlord in Sussex has been prosecuted by Worthing Borough Council over the poor state of his property at Belsize Road in Worthing.

In October 2014, officers from Worthing Council inspected the ground floor flat at the property, following complaints from the tenant.

They found the one bedroom flat was without a working lavatory, as well as having penetrating damp, inadequate heating and poor fire protection.

In December 2014, the Private Sector Housing team at Worthing Council served an Improvement Notice under the Housing Act 2004 on the landlord, Daniel Woulfe of Rugby Road in Worthing.

However, Mr Woulfe did not act on advice and support given by the council following the Notice – and failed to carry out the repair works within the statutory timescale.

Worthing Borough Council prosecuted him and on Friday, 2nd October 2015 at Chichester Magistrates Court, Mr Woulfe pleaded guilty to breaching the Improvement Notice.

He was fined £2,700, with a victim surcharge of £120 and full costs to Worthing Borough Council of £1,194.34.

After the hearing, Worthing Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Councillor Dr Heather Mercer, said:

“The shortage of private rented properties in the southeast means that a minority of landlords attempt to take advantage of tenants by providing poor or substandard accommodation.

“Worthing Borough Council will always take action against such landlords – including prosecution as necessary.

“The fine imposed by the court shows that this is a serious issue – and validates the actions taken by the Private Sector Housing team to improve housing conditions.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise landlords in the private sector on a wide range of housing matters, including their obligations under the Housing Act and prosecution by the local authority for breaching Improvement Notices

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis can also advise local authority, corporate and private landlords on tenancy agreements, Landlord and Tenant disputes, disrepair, Notice to Quit, anti-social behaviour, and unlawful eviction claims.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.