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A private landlord in Hatfield has been fined after he was found to have harassed and illegally evicted a tenant.
Olufemi Forseythe was fined £1,800, ordered to pay Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s costs of £750, and a victim surcharge of £72, after appearing at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard how Forseythe harassed his tenant at a property in Hatfield, by repeatedly sending messages threatening to move in to the property and change the locks without her permission.
He then said he would call bailiffs to evict her without any legal reasons, as well as sending her insulting and aggressive messages.
The court was also told that the landlord refused to fix a defective boiler, resulting in the council having to carry out works to reinstate heating and hot water.
This case is the first time Welwyn Hatfield Borough council have successfully convicted a landlord for illegal eviction and harassment of a tenant, according to Cllr Gemma Moore.
She said: “Our message to rogue landlords and agents is very clear. We will work tirelessly together with our partners to locate and crack down on unscrupulous landlords and managers who fail in their duty to support tenants, treat them with respect, and keep them safe,” she said.
“The Private Sector Housing Team have worked very hard to prepare and lead on this prosecution.
“I would like to join them in thanking our colleagues in Legal Services and Housing Needs, as well as Cornerstone Barristers, for bringing this case to our attention, and for their support in helping to achieve the first conviction of its kind for Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.”
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