Joint landlords both fined for failing to carry out repairs in ‘mouldy’ flats
Added 18.03.10
A father and son were made to pay more than £7,500 for allowing tenants to live in a damp house peppered with cracks and mould.
Stratford Magistrates' Court heard were told that the four-storey house had been converted into four separate flats.
Newham Council housing officers first investigated a tenant's complaint on October 7, 2008 and discovered appalling conditions throughout the common areas and inside the tenant's flat.
This included cracks in walls, damp and mouldy conditions and no working smoke alarm system in the house.
Joint landlords and homeowners Avtar Singh and his son Fateh Singh admitted they rented out the property in Stratford but appeared unwilling to confirm how many people actually shared the home.
Multiple visits, reminders for remedial work to be completed and requests for safety certificates to be presented were largely ignored by both defendants.
A final visit to the premises on June 10 last year showed that none of the contraventions had been addressed since previous visits on October 27 and January 15. It was also observed that an attempt at decorating had been insufficient as damp and mould was still prevalent.
The court awarded Newham Council full legal costs of £1,860 in the case of Fateh Singh, who was found guilty on 17 counts relating to the common areas of the house and the flat. A fine of £2,350 was also set.
The defendant, who was absent from court because of ill health, was ordered to pay the full amount within seven days through a collection order.
Avtar Singh, who did attend the hearing, pleaded guilty to nine charges concerning the common areas of the property. He was given a £1,600 fine and told to pay full costs of £1,860.
Cllr Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing, process and business efficiency, said: “The council will not tolerate those who profit from the misfortune of others.
“We are working hard to improve housing across the borough and where we find cases such as this one, we will push for court action.”
News feed courtesy of Residential Landlord