Private landlord fined following City of Lincoln Council prosecution

The landlord pleaded guilty to the offences under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 following an investigation conducted by the City of Lincoln Council’s Housing Standards and Enforcement team.

The case began subsequent to tenants raising concerns about conditions at the property. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue identified immediate fire safety risks during a visit to the premises in January last year.

Following on from that visit, the City of Lincoln Council carried out inspections and identified multiple serious hazards, including fire safety failures, electrical risks, damp and disrepair. Due to the imminent risk of serious harm posed to occupants, the City of Lincoln Council served an Emergency Prohibition Order on the property.

Court proceedings

During proceedings at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, those present heard that tenants had been living in conditions that posed significant risks to their Health and Safety.

At a sentencing hearing on 12 June, Sharma was fined the aforementioned £4,000 and also ordered to pay £2,000 towards the City of Lincoln Council’s costs. A Lincoln Magistrates’ Court surcharge of £800 was also imposed.

In a related matter, a second individual acting on behalf of the landlord accepted a simple caution in relation to an offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Protecting tenants

Councillor Donald Nannestad, portfolio holder for quality housing at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure and well-maintained home. This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting tenants and taking action against landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities.”

Nannestad continued: “The conditions identified at this property presented serious risks to the Health and Safety of the people living there. We welcome the decision reached at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and hope it sends a clear message that poor housing management and breaches of housing regulations will not be tolerated.”

Further, Nannestad said: “Our Housing Standards and Enforcement team will continue to investigate complaints and take robust enforcement action where necessary to improve housing standards across the city and protect residents.”

*Further information is available online at www.lincoln.gov.uk