Big fine for landlord failing to keep tenants safe in property

A landlord has been hit with a fine of more than £4,200 for failing to keep tenants safe in their homes.

North Lincolnshire council brought a prosecution against Mohammed Qadeer under the Housing Act 2004 after an inspection on the property revealed safety breaches posing an imminent risk to life.

Officers discovered hazardous electrics with bare wires exposed in the bathroom and electrical sockets in rooms exposing connections.

There was no fire detection system in the property and no door on the kitchen which was the only form of access. There was no proper form of heating and the tenants were using portable heaters. Kitchen and living room windows were also broken.

The council served a Prohibition Order on the landlord, which prevented the use of the property for residential use until the hazards were repaired.

Following a re-inspection of the property, officers discovered the property was still occupied in breach of the Prohibition Order and prosecuted Qadeer.

A council spokesperson says: ”The vast majority of landlords provide tenants with good quality, safe accommodation. Where landlords refuse to comply with their legal duties, our officers will not hesitate to step in and take enforcement action where necessary, even where landlords live outside North Lincolnshire.

“This prosecution should act as a warning to other landlords who may be inclined to cut corners and endanger their tenants.”

Landlords are advised to make sure they are aware of the new legal duties requiring them to have in place Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) for the domestic properties they rent.

From April 1 this year, these certificates should have been provided to current tenants and to any prospective tenant when asked within 28 days. Where a local council asks for copies of the certificate it must be provided within seven days.

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