Wirral landlord fined after council takes action (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral landlord fined after council takes action

10:58am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

A WIRRAL landlord was fined more than £7,000 for failing to resolve poor living conditions for tenants.

Geoffrey Irving, of Breck Road, Wallasey, pleaded guilty to not complying with Improvement Notices from Wirral Council to remedy “unacceptably poor” living conditions in private rented property last week at Wirral Magistrates.

The local authority’s housing standards team took action in relation to a three-storey “house in multiple occupation” in Victoria Road, New Brighton, owned by Mr Irving.

He had been given the opportunity to carry out the necessary works to comply with the Legal Improvement Notices but failed to do so.

The warnings came after tenants were forced to cope with “sub-standard” living conditions such as defective smoke alarms, no heating or hot water and dangerous electrical wiring.

Following the Mr Irving’s refusal to do the works, the council is now carrying out the necessary works, with recharge to the landlord for the works plus fees and charges.

Councillor George Davies, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “The action taken in this case reinforces the message that landlords must maintain and manage their properties responsibly and comply with Legal Notices served on them by the council and any breaches may result in legal action resulting in hefty fines.

“The council has a very positive working relationship with many landlords in Wirral. However, if there are some who are not co-operative we will take enforcement action.

“The safety of the often vulnerable occupiers of these types of converted properties is of paramount importance, particularly as poorly maintained and managed houses in multiple occupation can pose a significant fire risk.”