A landlord has been given a huge fine after his rental property in Telford was found to have extensive damp and mould and was in such a state of disrepair it was ‘unsafe’ including no fire alarms, gas safety or electrical safety certificates, says Telford councillor Richard Overton (pictured).

Following an inspection, Hussain was served with an improvement notice and told to install a fire alarm and produce the missing safety certificates.

Failed to respond

According to the council, he failed to carry out the required work or respond to a s16 Requisition for Information Notice and delayed producing gas safety and electrical installation certificates.

He then also failed to turn up in court but was found guilty in his absence by Telford Magistrates’ Court and was later sentenced by Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court.

We will not stand for this behaviour.”

The judge ordered Hussain to pay a total of £20,001.85 – £15,000 for breaching the improvement notice, £1,000 for failing to comply with the s16 notice, a £2,000 victim surcharge and prosecution’s costs, which came to £2,001.85.

Councillor Overton says: “In this case, the landlord’s failure in his legal duties clearly put the safety of tenants at risk. We will not stand for this behaviour and will not hesitate to take action when we are made aware of issues.

“Thanks to the action of our private sector housing team, this rogue landlord is now facing a hefty fine, which demonstrates just how serious this case was.

“If anyone is renting within the private sector and concerned about the safety of their home, I’d urge them to get in touch with our private sector housing team.”