A London landlord who rented out a property which had no hot water and poor heating has been prosecuted by Brent Council.
Landlord Bernard McGowan ignored a formal notice served on him by Brent Council in March 2015, which instructed him to make repairs to his property on Harrow Road in Kensal Green, northwest London.
However, he ignored the notice, resulting in Brent Council having to re-house his tenant and their young child.
On Tuesday, 1 September 2015 at Willesden Magistrates’ Court in London, Mr McGowan was fined £1,500, with costs of £1,507 and court charges amounting to £270.
After the hearing, Lead Member for Housing and Development at Brent Council, Councillor Margaret McLennan, said:
“It is a disgrace for a landlord to rent out a property that does not even have basic hot water facilities – or an adequate heating system.
“We care deeply about the living standards of those who rent in Brent – and so I am proud of the council's enforcement team, who are out there tackling these problems.
“I hope the conviction sends out a message that this will not be tolerated in our borough.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise public sector and private sector rental tenants on a wide range of housing matters – including disrepair and landlord’s duty to repair, tenancy agreements – and landlord and tenant disputes.
Duncan Lewis can also advise private sector landlords on their legal duty to tenants and other matters, including:
• Antisocial behaviour
• Gas Safety checks
• Landlord & tenant disputes
• Section 146 Notice (notice to quit)
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.
For expert legal advice on UK housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.