New
Forest District Council has successfully prosecuted a husband
and wife for failing to carry out work under the Housing
Act, on a house which they let in Totton.
John
and Linda Parker, of Reynolds Dale, Totton, were fined £5,000
and told to pay £799 costs at the hearing at Lyndhurst
Magistrates Court on April 8. They are also expected
to comply with the original order and carry out essential
work on the property which they let in Mill
Road, Totton.
The
court was told by council solicitor Nathalie Heaselden how
despite having a notice served, they had failed to install
fire doors, an alarm system, smoke detectors, emergency lighting
and fire fighting equipment at the six bedroom house. She
also said that there were insufficient washing facilities
at the house.
The
problems came to light when a housing officer called at the
address to investigate a complaint about anti-social behaviour
by the tenants.
Dave
Brown, the council’s head of housing, said: “This
prosecution should act as a reminder to all private landlords
in this area that they need to realise their responsibilities
run beyond collecting money from tenants. Taking money
from occupants at the expense of their hygiene, safety and
health is not acceptable and the council will not hesitate
to take action against those landlords who do not comply
with the law.”
The
Parkers were prosecuted under section 352 of the Housing
Act 1985. |
