Rogue landlord fined over £8k for health and safety breach
A rogue landlord who did not comply with health and safety regulations regarding his rental property has been prosecuted by Woking Borough Council.
Mr Kevin Fowler was told to pay a total of £8,432 for failing to carry out maintenance work out on his property, despite two improvement notices.
Failure to Comply
The rogue investor failed to respond to a legal notice served under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 which required him to provide information on the ownership and occupation of his rental accommodation.
Fowler was found guilty on both accounts and was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay £3,732.11 costs to Woking Borough Council. These charges were alongside a victim surcharge of £200.
The list of misdemeanors from Fowler was large and included:
- Faulty extractor fan
- Hot water cylinder not installed correctly
- Failure to carry out an electrical inspection
- Not installing smoke alarms
What’s more, there was mould found to be growing throughout the property, while the kitchen and bathroom floor tile were cracked, with the toilet also leaking.
Rogue landlord fined over £8k for health and safety breach
Prosecution
Councillor Colin Kemp, portfolio holder for housing services at Woking Borough Council, said: ‘Our successful prosecution of private landlords demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights of private tenants in the Borough.’[1]
‘Woking Borough Council acknowledges the value in the private rented sector to the residents of Woking but we are dedicated to helping ensure that landlords operate within the law and provide safe accommodation for the Borough’s residents. We do not tolerate poor housing standards or complete disregard for tenant welfare and wherever possible, we will aim to build a case a prosecute against such behaviour,’ he continued.[1]
‘We gave Mr Fowler ample opportunity to rectify the multiple issues with his property, all of which were ignored. We were therefore in no doubt that prosecution was the only suitable approach. The proactive court enforcement action will act as a deterrent to others considering neglect of their property and of their duty to provide a secure and habitable place of residence for their tenants,’ Kemp concluded.[1]
[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/1/landlord-ordered-to-pay-over-8-000-for-catalogue-of-health-and-safety-hazards