Rotherham Council prosecutes landlord due to “unsafe living conditions”

The landlord – namely Zaffar Hussain of Tinsley Drive in Sheffield – was responsible for a privately rented property on Foljambe Drive in Rotherham. An inspection of the premises conducted by Rotherham Council’s officers identified a number of hazards, including the absence of smoke alarms, fire safety concerns, exposed electrical wiring, poor property security, excess cold, defective windows and evidence of rodent infestation.

Due to these findings, Rotherham Council served a legal notice requiring Hussain to carry out remedial works that would then address the risks identified. Despite the legal notice being issued, the required works were not completed. Some repairs were attempted, but were left unfinished and didn’t resolve the hazards present.

As a result, Rotherham Council decided to initiate legal action. Hussain was subsequently convicted and ordered to pay a £4,000 fine, a £1,600 victim surcharge, £500 in compensation and £564.30 in prosecution costs, bringing the total financial penalty issued to £6,664.30.

Legal responsibilities

Speaking about this case, Councillor Linda Beresford (Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council) said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that’s safe, warm and free from hazards. This case shows what can happen when landlords repeatedly ignore their legal responsibilities and fail to act, even after being formally required to do so.”

Beresford added: “The majority of landlords in Rotherham do the right thing, and we will continue to support those who manage their properties responsibly. However, we will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action where landlords put tenants’ Health and Safety at risk.”

Rotherham Council reminds landlords that compliance with housing standards, legal notices and licensing requirements is mandatory. The organisation takes tenants’ living conditions seriously and will continue to prosecute – or issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence – in those instances where serious breaches are identified.