December 18, 2019 10.24 am This story is over 51 months old

Lincoln man guilty of aggression and harassment towards tenants

He told them to move out within an hour
Lincoln Magistrates' Court. | Photo: The Lincolnite

A landlord from Lincoln has been found guilty of unlawful harassment and aggressive practices towards tenants of a property in Gainsborough.

Mr. Ragoopathy Naidu, age 64 from Monks Road, Lincoln, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court last week and was prosecuted for seven offences relating to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations and the Protection from Eviction Act.

The charges were brought by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and West Lindsey District Council.

Tara Carter, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Telling tenants to move out in an hour, demanding huge late payment fees and including misleading terms in tenant’s contracts were just some of Mr Naidu’s actions.

“Mr Naidu also got his tenants to sign a tenancy agreement and used the terms of the agreement to intimidate and take additional money from them. Nor did he use a deposit scheme to protect his tenants money.

“The requirement not to engage in unfair trading practices applies to all landlords, they also have a duty of care towards their tenants and those that choose to ignore this can expect to face legal action, just like in this case.”

Andy Gray, housing and environmental enforcement manager at West Lindsey District Council, added: “Occupiers have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes without unlawful and persistent interference from their landlord.

“Local Authorities will work together to ensure that appropriate protection is provided from landlords who engage in aggressive practices to intimidate or harass their tenants.”

Mr Ragoopathy Naidu will be sentenced in January 2020.