A rogue landlord who repeatedly ignored improvement notices for years has been handed a £20,000 fine for failing to make badly needed repairs.
Pendle Borough Council served the notices last October following an inspection of the house in Colne when several serious hazards were found.
A follow-up visit in January this year confirmed that no repairs had been done so the council stepped in to make the property safe.
Problems included a toilet leaking into the kitchen that was endangering the tenant’s health, a large hole in the kitchen ceiling, broken kitchen sink, taps and waste pipe and leaking radiators. The property also needed a new gas boiler.
There was already an outstanding debt of £5,000 from 2016 after an inspection the previous year found serious hazards. Improvement notices were served at the time and ignored by the landlord, so the council arranged extensive repairs.
Decent
Council leader, councillor Asjad Mahmood (pictured), says it’s important that landlords fulfil their duty to ensure properties are in a decent, healthy and safe condition for their tenants.
“This landlord repeatedly ignored our improvement notices allowing the property to fall into a terrible state,” says Mahmood.
Councillor Mohammad Ammer, executive portfolio holder for housing, health and wellbeing, adds: “If there are any reasons that work cannot be carried out, it’s important that landlords speak to us to see if we can help. We do have a duty to take enforcement action where necessary.”
