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Homeowner prosecuted for allowing property to fall into disrepair and cause nuisance (29 February 2016)

Date: 29/02/2016
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Homeowner prosecuted for allowing property to fall into disrepair and cause nuisance

Sandwell Council in the West Midlands has taken legal action against a homeowner who left a property empty and in disrepair.

Christopher Perry is the owner of a house in Oldbury in the West Midlands – he allowed the property to fall into disrepair, causing a nuisance to neighbours.

The council brought the case after receiving complaints about the nuisance being caused – Perry also failed to respond to requests to work with the council to better manage the property.

An officer from the council's housing quality team had been working with him – however, Perry had failed to co-operate and the house in Dudley Road West fell further into disrepair. Eventually the roof failed and water began to penetrate the neighbouring house.

At Sandwell Magistrates’ Court, Perry – of Cecil Drive in Tividale – was fined £2,000 for failing to comply with the improvement notice, £2,000 for failing to comply with the abatement notice, as well as £1,836.30 in costs and a £200 victim surcharge – a total of £6,036.30.

After the hearing, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for regeneration and economic investment, Councillor Paul Moore, said:

“Empty homes are a wasted resource at a time of high housing demand and increasing rental costs for Sandwell residents.

“Houses left to decay and cause nuisance in our communities will not be tolerated.

”The council has a good history of tackling problematic empty homes – all owners have a legal responsibility to keep their properties in a good state of repair and not to cause nuisance to others.

”In this case, the council has taken formal action as a final resort because this owner failed in his responsibility – and refused to correct this when asked to do so.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including disrepair matters and prosecution by the local authority.

Duncan Lewis can also advise private sector and public sector tenants on disrepair matters, as well as Landlord and Tenant disputes, lease extensions, housing benefit, housing possession and unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advise on housing and property law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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