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Agency pleads guilty to letting sub standard
accommodation A local letting
agent who managed a house in multiple occupation on Penkett Road, Wallasey,
pleaded guilty at Wirral Magistrates Court for offences relating to poor
management standards under the Housing Act 2004.
A representative of County Rentals Limited, who were trading as Valentines at
the time, pleaded guilty on his company's behalf for failing to implement
satisfactory management standards following an inspection by officers from
Wirral Council. The company was ordered to pay a total of ?5,161.20 for the
offences.
The court was told that in May 2016 Housing Standards Officers visited the
property which was converted into 7 bedsitting rooms and found defective
fire doors, blocked fire escapes, exposed live electrical wiring, plus damp and
mould growth.
Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community
Safety, said:- "This is an example of how we will take the strongest
possible action against those managing agents who have little or no regard for
the safety and wellbeing of their tenants. We have a team dedicated to ensuring
that Houses in Multiple Occupation meet certain acceptable standards and adhere
to all the appropriate licenses and regulations as these often house some of the
most vulnerable members of the community. Councils have a duty to act if
they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant's health or safety and if
managers fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue.
Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in court action and
potentially hefty fines. The health and safety of the occupiers in
properties within the private rented sector is of paramount importance. Whilst
we always try to work with landlords and managing agents and give them advice
and guidance to improve property conditions, if they do not manage their
properties then the Council will take enforcement action like that taken against
County Rentals." |
