A letting company in Derby has been fined £14,000 for renting out flat ‘with severe security hazards’.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court docket heard how an inspection at an Osmaston Street flat “uncovered vital security hazards, together with a compromised flat roof, and dangers of structural collapse”, the town council has mentioned.
Steadwall Properties Restricted, based mostly on Normanton Street, let loose a property on Normanton Street regardless of a Prohibition Order issued in August 2023 below the Housing Act 2004, which barred its occupation resulting from security considerations. The flats, situated above a pharmacy, had been transformed with out licensed constructing work. Tenants residing there on the time had been rehoused by Derby Houses.
The order prohibited anybody from residing on the tackle till needed work was accomplished to make the property secure.
Nonetheless, a routine inspection in August 2024 led to a felony investigation, which revealed that the flats had been re-let to new tenants whereas severe hazards remained. Lease had continued to be collected for eight months in direct contravention of the Prohibition Order.
At Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court docket, Steadwall Properties admitted to knowingly allowing occupation of a prohibited property, an offence below part 32 of the Housing Act 2004.
The corporate was fined £21,000, diminished to £14,000 for an early responsible plea, and ordered to pay £1,750 in prices.
Magistrates mentioned the agency had “recklessly permitted occupation and positioned susceptible tenants liable to appreciable hurt.”
Cllr Shiraz Khan, cupboard member for housing, strategic planning and regulatory providers, mentioned: “We’re dedicated to making sure everybody in Derby has a secure place to name dwelling. Whereas most non-public landlords are accountable and supply good high quality housing, our devoted group works tirelessly to determine and pursue these, whether or not they’re landlords or letting brokers, who disregard the well being and security of their tenants.
“We merely received’t tolerate substandard lodging and can proceed to make use of each instrument at our disposal – from prosecution to civil penalty notices and lease compensation orders – to carry them accountable.
“I might encourage anybody with considerations about their rented property or their landlord to report this to our group.”
