Landlord fined for letting property fall into disrepair
Published Friday 7th October 11 in Council - news and information releases news
A private landlord has been fined for failing to repair his property and leaving his tenants to suffer damp, draughty and hazardous conditions for two years.
Terry Frost, of Cotswold Road, Westcliff, had denied failing to comply with an Improvement Notice issued under the Housing Act 2004.
But he was found guilty when he appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday 26th September.
Frost was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.
The court heard how Southend-on-Sea Borough Council had tried repeatedly to deal with the matter informally before finally serving the Improvement Notice in December 2010.
This listed a series of repairs required to bring the property up to the appropriate standard and allowed several months for the works to be completed.
They included renewing defective windows, refurbishing the kitchen, improving security, work to minimise dampness and tackling a mouse infestation.
But the Council was forced to prosecute after a re-inspection of the property revealed most of the repairs were still outstanding, even though the Notice period had expired.
In addition to being fined Frost remains responsible for ensuring that all the works required are completed.
Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, Lesley Salter, said: "We have many good landlords in the borough and we are trying to encourage those who don't presently meet the standards we require to manage their properties more effectively.
"We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any landlord who shows a cavalier attitude towards their legal responsibilities."