A Bristol landlord has been banned from letting properties after repeatedly failing to meet the required standards.
Naomi Knapp, a portfolio landlord with 34 properties in Bristol, entered guilty pleas to multiple offences and was convicted of eight Banning Order offences. She will now be added to the government’s database for Rogue Landlords.
The First Tier Property Tribunal made the decision to ban Knapp who entered guilty pleas related to fire safety issues as well as poor conditions witnessed in the communal areas of the properties.
This included missing or inadequately installed fire doors, damaged and poorly maintained walls and ceilings that form part of the fire-resistant structure, and fixtures and fittings in the communal areas of the properties that were also damaged and badly maintained.
A statement from the council says Knapp has a long history of non-compliance with her legal responsibilities as a landlord and property manager.
The council claims it has previously worked informally with Knapp, but was forced to proceed to formal enforcement action when attempts to resolve issues failed. This was in relation to three poorly managed HMOs in 2021.
Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing delivery and homes on Bristol council, says: “During this cost of living crisis it is more important than ever for the council to protect tenants from rogue landlords. We will take action to crack down on criminal landlords who do not meet the legal requirements for a safe and secure living environment.
“Any tenant who rents from Ms Knapp does not need to do anything at this point – the Banning Order does not change a renter’s legal rights and does not necessarily mean they will need to leave their properties. However, if they are concerned about their rights they should contact the council or Citizen’s Advice Bureau for support.”
The Tribunal stated that the purpose of the legislation is to remove rogue landlords from the private rented sector, and to prevent them from exploiting tenants in the future. The Tribunal was satisfied that a total fine of £22,000 for the Respondent’s Banning Order offences was a severe sentence, and highlighted Ms Knapp’s lack of understanding of the legal requirements.
It said Knapp’s failure to follow up on her proposals to improve things demonstrated her unwillingness to change matters for the better and her acceptance of the risk that her management of the properties might be below the required standard.
Bristol council has also issued a note to explain that Knapp has been banned from letting housing in England, engaging in English letting agency work, and engaging in English property management work. The bans taok effect from August 16 2022, lasting for a period of five years; there are some exceptions to this ban for up to six months, until February 15 2023.
Knapp is also banned from being involved in any corporate body that carries out any landlord-tenant related activities. She may not act as an officer of such a corporate body or directly or indirectly take part in, or be concerned in, its management.
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