Unreliable landlord risks large fine after municipal investigation

A landlord in Gateshead has been hit with a fine of just under £7,000 due to the poor condition of three apartments he rented out.

Following a council inspection of his property in Bensham, an improvement notice was issued to Anthony Hall of Ravensworth Road, Birtley, requiring him to replace missing stair railings, repair defective windows and external walls and rectify a number of electrical hazards.

Bad condition

His lack of response to the notice prompted council officers to subsequently inspect his other properties in Birtley and two others were found to be in poor condition with damp, mould, faulty windows and ventilation, missing stair railings, electrical hazards and fire safety issues (main issues) . image).

The council then gave Hall two more Housing Act 2004 Improvement noticeswhich he also did not act on.

The council launched legal action and the South Tyneside Magistrates Court subsequently ruled that Hall, an experienced landlord with several properties, had ‘failed to contact officers’ or to have the work carried out and comply with the notices.

We will not tolerate landlords who voluntarily rent substandard properties that endanger health and well-being.”

He was fined £1,115 for each property (£3,345) plus a surcharge of £446 and £3,200 costs.

Councilor Chris BuckleyCabinet Member for Housing said: “We hope this successful prosecution acts as a warning to landlords within Gateshead.

“We appreciate the contribution that a well-managed private rental sector makes to Gateshead, but we will not tolerate landlords who willingly rent out substandard properties that endanger the health and wellbeing of local residents.

“Everyone has the right to live in a safe and warm home, and we will continue to take strong action against landlords who ignore their responsibilities.”