A Leeds landlord, Mohammed Gulzar, has had his penalty increased from £7,500 to £10,500 after appealing against enforcement action.

The enforcement action was taken over multiple safety and management breaches at his rental property, with a tribunal ruling the offences were more serious than originally assessed.

Leeds City Council first issued a Notice of Intent for a financial penalty of £14,250 before reducing it to £7,500 after taking mitigating factors into account.

Harm underestimated

However, Gulzar then appealed, triggering a full rehearing by the First-tier Tribunal, which concluded the level of harm had been underestimated and set a higher penalty.

High risk of serious adverse effect on an individual.”

The tribunal found the breaches created a “high risk of serious adverse effect on an individual”, citing serious safety concerns including a bypassed gas meter, defective fire alarms “not in proper working order”, and inadequate fire protection in a property with only one means of escape.

Inspectors also identified extensive disrepair at the house in Harehills, Leeds, including broken windows, damaged plaster, missing stair rails, unsafe flooring and a “rotten” basement door that could not be secured.

The tribunal found there had been no adequate system of inspection or repair in place.

Gulzar argued he had relied on a managing agent and cited ill health, including two heart attacks, as well as caring responsibilities. But Tribunal Judge J Adams rejected his defence, ruling the licence holder remained responsible for compliance.

While mitigation for the landlord’s health issues and cooperation was accepted, the tribunal ruled the increased £10,500 financial penalty was appropriate and payable within 28 days.