Somerset Council has secured banning orders against two Yeovil landlords following repeated prosecutions for housing standards breaches and persistent failures to comply with enforcement notices.

The Property Tribunal made a six-year banning order against David Fuller of The Old Court House, Yeovil, whilst Joanna Fuller, also of the Old Court House, received a three-year ban.

The orders, which take effect from 1 September 2025, prevent the Fullers from renting, managing or having any involvement with properties they own, which includes over 180 properties in the  area. Nor can they employ any business or person associated with them to run these properties or take rent directly from tenants.

Appeal refused

Banning orders are sought under section 14 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and are used only for the most serious offenders.

An application to appeal the banning orders has been refused as it was deemed to have no reasonable prospect of success.

We will not shy away from taking strong enforcement action and applying sanctions where they are needed.”

Chris Hall, Executive Director Community, Place & Economy, says: “We work closely with Somerset landlords and support them to meet their legal obligations.

“However, we will not shy away from taking strong enforcement action and applying sanctions where they are needed. The council is satisfied with the outcome of these court cases and hopes it sends a strong message to deter other landlords from breaching their duties.

“The council’s private sector housing team is working hard every day to ensure residents live in homes that are safe, healthy and appropriate for their needs.”

It is not an isolated case – councils are increasingly using banning orders against the worst offending landlords. West Northamptonshire Council recently issued lifetime bans against four landlords running an illegal rent-to-rent scheme, whilst Newham Council secured a three-year ban against a landlord convicted of seven housing offences.