June 20, 2018 10.38 am This story is over 77 months old

“Unacceptable” property gets landlord hefty fine

Her total fine was £4,160
A Lincolnshire landlord has been fined over £4,000 after concerns about the condition and occupancy of her property. Photo: South Holland District Council

A Lincolnshire landlord has been fined over £4,000 for failing to act on five identified hazards on her property.

South Holland District Council carried out a series of inspections of The Chequers in Holbeach after the Food Health and Safety team raised concerns about the condition and occupancy of the property.

The property was found to be in urgent need of work and an Improvement Notice was immediately issued to landlord Mrs Chony Andrews, but she failed to comply with it.

The Chequers in Holbeach. Photo: South Holland District Council

Mrs Andrews was summoned to Boston Magistrates Court for a hearing on June 18 after not carrying out the instructed work despite further reminders.

She failed to attend court, but the magistrates agreed to hear the case in her absence and she was found guilty of the offences charged.

Mrs Andrews was fined £2,500 for failing to comply with the Improvement Notice (£500 per offence) and £1,000 for failing to licence her house in multiple occupation.

She was also ordered to pay a contribution to the council’s costs and a mandatory victim surcharge, bringing her total fine to £4,160.

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Magistrates made clear that this was money that should have been spent making changes to comply with the Improvement Notice and the fact the HMO was unlicensed was a particularly serious issue to them.

Portfolio holder for Housing and Health at South Holland District Council, Councillor Christine Lawton, said: “Everyone has the right to live in a safe and decent home.

“The conditions that we discovered at this property were completely unacceptable and threatened to put the health and safety of the occupants at risk.

“Rented accommodation must provide a healthy and safe environment for tenants and anyone else connected to the property.

“The legislation and standards in place exist for a reason and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who does not comply.”

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council

Photo: South Holland District Council