Landlord jailed for letting hazardous and rat-infested properties
Martin Ambler, 58, who owned properties in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover is behind bars after Judge takes no nonsense approach to rogue landlord.
A landlord has been jailed for 10 months after letting out properties in appalling conditions with serious faults, hazards damp and mould and rat infestations.
North East Derbyshire District Council Joint Environmental Health team successfully prosecuted Martin Ambler, 58, who owned properties in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover.
HAZARDS
Upon inspection they found the landlord had let the property to a family which contained several category one hazards – the most serious risk to health and was infested with rats.
There was evidence of neglect and serious hazards throughout the ‘home’, with holes in walls, gaps in decaying windows, doors which could not close, external doors which leaked and allowed wind through, along with serious damp and mould problems.
As officers investigated more of his properties another was found to have metal shutters attached to windows meaning tenants had no access to natural light for several weeks and a third property of Amblers had become a dumping ground (see picture) for huge amounts of fly-tipping which he failed to clear up.
SENTENCING
In his sentencing remarks, the Judge stated: “I consider that the only appropriate punishment for these breaches is an immediate [prison] term.
“There has been a history of poor compliance with court orders. The offences themselves were a breach of an order.
“I did not consider there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in the light of his [Martin Amber’s] response which showed an unwillingness to take the opportunity to change his ways.”
Ken Eastwood, Assistant Director of the Joint Environmental Health Service, says: “This Landlord grossly evaded his responsibilities and let sub-standard property to vulnerable tenants without any consideration for their health or wellbeing.
“The disrepair, damp, mould and rodent infestations presented significant risks to the health and safety of his tenants.”
The case comes after a nationwide housing safety crisis has attracted attention of the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling up Housing & Communities, Michael Gove, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale.
