Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

Record fine for Wirral landlord who rented out unsafe bedsits to vulnerable tenants (5 July 2016)

Date: 05/07/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Record fine for Wirral landlord who rented out unsafe bedsits to vulnerable tenants

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

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising on homelessness and council’s obligation to re-house.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across the UK and our housing lawyers are also able to advise on:

• Conveyancing services
• Debt management for homeowners
• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlords’ obligations
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Lease extensions
• Local Authority housing
• Mortgage repossession
• Notice to quit
• Nuisance neighbours
• Right to Buy
• Right to Rent checks
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

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

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.