Wirral Council has prosecuted a landlord who rented out a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on Borough Road in Seacombe, after a council inspection uncovered a number of health and safety issues.
The landlord – named as Mr Fiaz of Gorsey Lane in Wallasey – had rented out the property located over commercial units to a number of vulnerable adults, who were expected to live in 20 converted bedsits with serious health and safety hazards.
Wirral Council’s Housing Standards Officers visited the property and found defective and missing fire precaution measures, dangerous electrical wiring with exposed live wiring, damp and mould growth – and poor bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Fiaz pleaded guilty to failing to implement satisfactory management standards, following an inspection by officers from Wirral Council.
At Wirral Magistrates’ Court, he was fined a total of £10,339 for offences relating to the Housing Act 2004.
The fine is the highest yet handed out in Wirral.
After the hearing, Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Councillor George Davies, said:
“This is an example of how we will take the strongest possible action against those landlords who have little or no regard for the safety and wellbeing of their tenants – and I welcome this outcome.
“We have a team dedicated to ensuring that, in particular, Houses in Multiple Occupation meet certain acceptable standards and adhere to all the appropriate licences and regulations, as these often house some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
“Councils have a duty to act if they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant’s health or safety – and if landlords fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue.
“Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in court action and potentially hefty fines – we are committed to ensuring good quality housing for all in Wirral, as part of our council plan for 2020.
“The health and safety of the occupiers in properties within the private rented sector is of paramount importance.
“While we always try to work with landlords and managing agents and give them advice and guidance to improve property conditions, if they do not manage their properties, then the council will take enforcement action.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
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