A private rental landlord has been successfully prosecuted after failing to comply with a legal order to clean up a property he was renting where a number of serious hazards were identified.
South Holland District Council had to get a court order to break into the home owned by Peter Higgins after he ignored inspection requests and the tenant had moved out.
A number of serious hazards were found at his rental property in Long Sutton including excess cold, falling on stairs, fire hazards and damp and mould.
Court action against Higgins saw magistrates impose a fine of £1,760, a victim surcharge of £704, and prosecution costs of £3,944, bringing the total amount payable to £6,408.
Coun Tracey Carter, portfolio holder for strategic and operational housing at South Holland District Council, said: “Private tenants have the right to live in safe, warm and well-maintained homes. Landlords have clear legal responsibilities they must follow to ensure their properties meet the required standard to ensure tenants are safe.
“The council has followed the process of enforcement and were left with no other option but to prosecute in court. I hope this sends a clear message to landlords that they must comply when improvement notices are served and that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where responsibilities are ignored.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents and improving housing standards across South Holland.”
