Landlord fined for poor state of property

Release Date:  30-Jul-2008

A Bristol landlord of two flats and a shop, in such a poor condition that the health and safety of the tenants was threatened, has been fined £12,600 plus costs in Bristol Magistrates Court. Shemim Yaqub, owner of the properties at 109 East Street, in Bedminster pleaded guilty to 11 offences under the Housing Act 2004 and the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions)(England) Regulations 2007.

The prosecution followed a Council investigation after a tenant complained about the poor state of the property. Council action was stepped up after a fire in the flats during which the fire detection system did not function and the fire separation between the shop and the flats above was inadequate. (Smoke and fumes spread into the escape route from the flat, but fortunately all occupants managed to leave the premises without injury).

The property was found to be in a poor state of repair with a number of problems that threatened the health and safety of the tenants. Problems within the property included a leaking WC causing sewage to leak into a hallway, dangerous electrics and a large pigeon infestation in the roof.

The Council served formal notices on the 8th December 2006 under the Housing Act 2004. These required the landlord to correct problems found at the property for fire safety, electrical hazards and lack of heating. These gave until the 15 July 2007 for the works to be carried out to remedy the problems.

The property was re-visited by officers from the Council on the 2 July 2007. Officers accessed most parts of the premises and found no evidence that the landlord had carried out works.

“We gave every opportunity to the landlord to put these serious faults right but we were forced to prosecute finally for the safety of her tenants”, said Councillor Judith Price, Cabinet Member for Homes and Streetscene.

“We hope that the level of this fine will be a warning to other landlords on the importance of keeping their accommodation in good order and taking prompt action to ensure the health and wellbeing of their tenants,” she said.

Tenants having problems with private landlords should contact the council's the Private Housing Service on either 0117 377 2532 0r 0117 903 8704. Landlords wishing to be kept up to date with new regulations and general information on good practice can receive regular newsletters and mailings by contacting the landlord liaison officer on 0117 3533867.

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