Southend Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord for renting out an unsafe property, reinforcing its commitment to protecting residents and raising housing standards across the city.
At Southend Magistrates' Court on 14 May 2026, Samuel Nyantakyi, 53, was found guilty of letting a property in Kilworth Avenue, Southend, in breach of a Prohibition Order and without the required Selective Licence.
The case followed proactive work by the Council's housing enforcement team, who identified that the property was being occupied despite a Prohibition Order being in place. The order legally prevented anyone from living at the address due to serious safety concerns.
A subsequent investigation confirmed that the property was also being let without a Selective Licence, a legal requirement designed to ensure privately rented homes meet minimum standards and are properly managed.
Council officers inspected the property and uncovered a number of significant Category 1 and Category 2 hazards, posing serious risks to the health and safety of the occupants. Despite being fully aware of the Prohibition Order, Mr Nyantakyi, allowed tenants, including a family, to live in the property.
The court recognised the seriousness of the offences, noting the defendant's clear non-compliance and that he had financially benefited from renting out a property that was unsafe for occupation.
Mr Nyantakyi was ordered to pay:
- £14,000 for breaching the Prohibition Order
- £1,760 for failing to obtain a Selective Licence
- Full prosecution costs of £3,160.39
- A victim surcharge of £6,304
This brings the total amount payable to £25,224.39.
Councillor Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, said: "This successful prosecution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting residents and holding criminal landlords to account.
"No one should have to live in unsafe conditions, and we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action where landlords ignore the law and put tenants at risk. Our teams work tirelessly to identify issues, investigate thoroughly, and take action to ensure homes across Southend are safe, well managed, and fit to live in.
"This case sends a clear message: we will pursue landlords wo fail in their legal responsibilities, and we will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our residents."
If you are experiencing unsafe housing or a landlord failing to carry out essential repairs, report it via MySouthend.