Landlord fined for not carrying out repairs

Janghir Hussain pleaded guilty after failing to comply with an improvement notice served by Sandwell Council's Housing Quality Team on a house in Margaret Street, West Bromwich.

The council brought the case after complaints about serious disrepair were reported by West Midlands Fire Service.  

An officer from the council's Housing Quality Team found rooms affected by damp and mould growth, the toilet leaking, the electrics dangerous and the kitchen units and work surfaces in a dilapidated state.

The property was also inadequately heated and had no constant supply of hot water.

Sandwell Magistrates were told that Hussain, of Croft Street, Walsall had not responded to council attempts to resolve the issues by negotiation.

This led to the council serving an improvement notice in August 2011, ordering Mr Hussain to improve the property.

Magistrates told Hussain that landlords had obligations to let properties in a safe condition for tenants to occupy. They said he had failed to do that.

And Hussain was told that the use of a managing agent did not negate him of his responsibilities as a landlord.

Hussain was also ordered to pay costs totalling £876.11.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for housing Councillor Simon Hackett said: "I will not tolerate bad landlords who cause their tenants misery.

"I am asking council officers to step up their efforts to deal with such landlords. This is another example of action I will take against landlords who fail in their duties to tenants."

The Housing Quality Team currently deals with over 600 requests for assistance each year, but is still concerned that many private tenants do not realise that support is available.

Private tenants can contact the team on 0121 569 5232 or email at privatesector_housing@sandwell.gov.uk