Man who helped form NLA stands down as director
Added 17.11.09
The National Landlord Association (NLA) vice chairman John Socha is stepping down as a director of the organisation at its Annual General Meeting on 20 November.
Socha joined the Small Landlords Association (SLA) in 1996 and became its Chairman in 2000. In 2003 he was instrumental in taking the decision to create a more professional representative organisation and the SLA became the NLA. Socha became the first NLA vice-chairman.
After two terms as a non-executive director and vice chairman, he is stepping down to concentrate fully on his own business interests in Northampton and further afield.
Speaking recently after his final Board meeting, Socha, said: “Having been involved on the national landlord stage for 13 years, it’s now the right time to move on and focus more fully on my business and other interests.
“I am very proud of what the SLA and NLA have achieved and I will be watching with keen interest to see the NLA continuing to grow and to help raise standards across the sector.”
David Salusbury, Chairman, NLA, said: “John’s contribution to the landlord community and the wider private-rented sector should not be underestimated.
Were it not for his vision and leadership, it is doubtful whether landlords would have the same high level of representation they have come to expect today.
“We wish John every success in his future endeavours and look forward to continuing to benefit from his knowledge and wisdom in the years to come.”
Socha will continue as Regional Representative for Northamptonshire.
• A Plumstead landlord has been fined £5,000 for failing to keep his property up to the standards required by the Housing Act 2004.
Tenants, who were living in multiple occupation, described damp conditions in the house that included a leaking roof, unsafe electrics, and rat infestation.
Harminder Singh Sandu, the landlord of the house, was given many warnings and received other notices, yet he failed to address the conditions of the property.
The Council’s environmental officers identified a broken sewer pipe under the kitchen which was repaired. However, the problems associated with the rat infestation still continued.
A decision was made by the Council to take formal action, which led to the case being heard at Woolwich Magistrates Court recently.
Cllr Maureen O’Mara, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Greenwich Council endeavours to work with landlords in helping them to achieve appropriate healthy housing.
“However, if landlords choose to ignore advice and fail to comply with basic health and safety standards, they will be fined and possibly prosecuted.
“I would encourage all landlords to follow the appropriate health and safety guidelines to avoid heavy fines and, even worse, face prosecution.”
News feed courtesy of Residential Landlord