Two Worksop landlords are to pay £171,964 in fines and costs after putting ‘tenants at risk’ by failing to carry out urgent repairs at their rental properties.

Baminy Suresh, 40, and her husband Suresh Thanabalsingham, 46, both from Cheapside, have been found guilty at Mansfield Magistrates Court of failing to comply with improvement notices. That’s despite managing a property portfolio worth over £1.2 million with an estimated revenue of around £211,000 per year.

Bassetlaw District Council received complaints about poor living conditions at their two properties, which were claimed to be endangering the ‘health and wellbeing’ of those living there.

Fourteen hazards

When officers visited, they identified 14 hazards involving fire, electrical and structural issues, as well as a large amount of household rubbish.

A follow-up inspection found none of the required work had been carried out, and the landlords were served with improvement notices under the Housing Act 2004, requiring them to carry out the work by specified dates.

When officers returned months later, the landlords had installed a new central heating system at one property, but left pipework exposed that was a burn risk. At the second property, repairs were still incomplete, and the rubbish had not been cleared.

“The effects of living in poor housing conditions can significantly impact tenants’ mental and physical health.”

In court, the landlords were asked to provide evidence of their financial means. When they failed to do so, Thanabalsingham was ordered to pay a £70,000 fine, a £28,000 victim surcharge and £1,982 in costs.

Suresh was ordered to pay a £50,000 fine, a £20,000 victim surcharge and costs of £1,982.

Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The effects of living in poor housing conditions can significantly impact tenants’ mental and physical health as well as their overall quality of life and life chances. Landlords have a responsibility to their tenants to provide homes that are safe and warm to live in, a basic right.”

Both landlords have the right to appeal these sentences at the Crown Court.