This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
A landlord has been fined by authorities for leaving one of his properties in an unsafe condition.
Landlord Fined over Unsafe Property
Mohammed Hussain Chauhdry was found to have left a privately rented home needing several repairs in Colindale.
He has been found guilty under the Housing Act and ordered to pay a fine of £1,750, as well as court costs of £2,176.10 at Hendon Magistrates Court.
The large, five-bedroom property was in need of a new roof covering, alongside changes to the staircase. The stairs were collapsing upon inspection, and were held together by an unsafe solution.
Environmental health officers paid numerous visits to the house before Mr Chauhdry was prosecuted last month.
Private landlords hold a responsibility to keep their rental properties in a safe condition. These obligations ensure that no risk to the health and safety of occupants arises. The Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Richard Cornelius, commented that landlords have equal duties to the tenants as tenants have to their landlord.
This particular case is a prime example of the landlord consciously leaving a home in a dangerous state, and being punished as a result. The condition of a property can also have consequences on let property insurance premiums.
