A Scunthorpe landlord has been hit with a fine of more than £4,200 for failing to keep tenants safe in their homes.
North Lincolnshire Council brought a prosecution against Mohammed Qadeer under the Housing Act 2004 after an inspection on the property revealed safety breaches posing an imminent risk to life.
Officers discovered hazardous electrics with bare wires exposed in the bathroom and electrical sockets in rooms exposing connections.
There was no fire detection system in the property and no door on the kitchen which was the only form of access. There was no proper form of heating and the tenants were using portable heaters. Kitchen and living room windows were also broken.
The council served a Prohibition Order on the defendant, which prevented the use of the property for residential use until the hazards were repaired.
Following a re-inspection of the property, officers discovered the property was still occupied in breach of the Prohibition Order and prosecuted Mr Qadeer.
The government is concerned about the standard of electrics in rented accommodation and has given councils new powers to issue fines of up to £30,000 where the electrics in properties have not been properly inspected.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities – urban, said:
“The council constantly strives to improve housing standards, keeping residents safe and well. The vast majority of landlords provide tenants with good quality, safe accommodation.
“Where landlords refuse to comply with their legal duties, our officers will not hesitate to step in and take enforcement action where necessary, even where landlords live outside North Lincolnshire.
“This prosecution should act as a warning to other landlords who may be inclined to cut corners and endanger their tenants.”
Landlords need to make sure they are aware of the new legal duties requiring them to have in place Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) for the domestic properties they rent.
From 1 April 2021, these certificates should have been provided to current tenants and to any prospective tenant when asked within 28 days. Where the council asks for copies of the certificate it must be provided within seven days.
Electrical alterations can require Building Regulations approval from the council. For more information, please visit our website.
The council has developed a series of helpful ‘Safety Shaun’ videos for tenants to help explain the standard of housing they should be able to expect to rent. Watch these on our website.
If your landlord has not reasonably responded to a complaint, and you feel you are at risk of harm, you should contact the Environmental Health and Housing Team by email: housing@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297000.
