|
Landlord fined for falling
foul of Selective Licensing rules
A 'professional landlord' has
been ordered to pay nearly ₤5,000 by a court because he failed to obtain a
licence to manage a rented property in Wallasey. On 16 November 2017, Mr Philip
James Last of Meols Drive, Hoylake was ordered to pay ₤4,952 in fines and costs
for failing to obtain a Selective Licence for a rented property in Albemarle
Road, Egremont.
In summing up District Judge Wendy Lloyd described Mr Last as a professional
landlord who took no steps to obtain a licence despite repeated requests from
Wirral Council.
The Selective Licensing scheme was introduced in Wirral in 4 areas on 1 July
2015 and so far over 1,300 properties have been licensed which represents over
99% of known licensable properties.
The majority of landlords understand that the objectives of the scheme are to
improve poor property conditions and management standards in the private rented
sector. Licences holders are required to show basic safety checks have been
carried out and that they have appropriate management arrangements in place.
The prosecution against Mr Last is the latest case brought before the courts by
Wirral Council's Selective Licensing team. This case brings the number of
prosecutions by the Council against landlords and agents in the Selective
Licensing areas up to 27 successful prosecutions.
Earlier this month Mr Nigel Russell of Duddon, Tarporley withdrew his appeal to
the courts against previous convictions brought by the Selective Licensing team
for Housing Act offences and was ordered to pay ₤42,120 in fines and costs.
Cllr George Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing said:- "The Selective
Licensing Team will continue to investigate and prosecute owners and managing
agents of privately rented accommodation who attempt to evade their
responsibilities in applying for the necessary licences or failing to ensure
their properties are a safe environment for their tenants to live in. The
Council will be undertaking checks on all licensed properties under the scheme
to ensure that they meet the required standard and comply with licence
conditions in order that the health and safety of often vulnerable tenants are
protected."
|
