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Private sector landlords fined £34,000, after breaching housing management regulations (2 November 2015)

Date: 02/11/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Private sector landlords fined £34,000, after breaching housing management regulations

City of Wolverhampton Council has fined two private sector landlords a total of £34,000, in the hope prosecution will act as a strong deterrent to other landlords who put their tenants' health and safety at risk.

In September, husband and wife Joginder and Rashpal Bains of R&J Investments pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to comply with housing management regulations, after all of their tenants on the top floor of one their properties had to be moved out by social services.

Council officers inspected properties the couple rented out in Merridale Road, Wolverhampton, after receiving complaints about the property.

Wolverhampton City Councils’ Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, Councillor Peter Bilson, said:

“This is one of the biggest fines we have achieved as a council when bringing to task landlords who are not complying with housing laws.

“This case should act as a lesson to all landlords in the private sector.

“Thankfully, the majority of landlords in Wolverhampton abide by the rules and regulations and co-operate with the council.

“The council takes very seriously its commitment to monitoring the private housing sector – and we will continue to do so to ensure tenants' living standards are of the highest quality.”

The council last month announced it is set to pioneer the way local authorities work with private landlords, by introducing a new 5-star rating system to improve the quality of housing.

The “Rent with Confidence star rating system for private landlords” will come into effect from April 2016 – and aims to encourage greater customer choice and raise living standards.

It will work in a similar way to the rating scheme used by the Food Standards Agency for restaurants and takeaways.

Stars will be awarded to landlords who comply with the law and who rent out property above the minimum statutory standards, with financial incentives for 5-star landlords.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise private sector landlords on their legal duties under the Housing Act, including advising on prosecution by the local council for breaches of health and safety or management regulations.

Duncan Lewis has offices across the UK and can also advise landlords on Notice to Quit and unlawful eviction, lease extensions, anti-social behaviour and tenants in arrears.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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