A WIRRAL landlord has been fined more than £1,300 after renting out a property with serious health and safety hazards to vulnerable adults.

The poor conditions at John Kieran’s property on Argyle Street, Birkenhead were discovered as a result of an inspection by housing officers from Wirral Council.

Wirral Globe:
Photographs show the conditions in the house on Argyle Street, Birkenhead.

At an appearance at Wirral Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to failing to implement satisfactory management standards and was fined £1,350 for offences in breach of the Housing Act 2004.

Kieran, of Village Road, Higher Bebington had rented out the property, which is a house in multiple occupation, to three vulnerable adults.

The property had no fire precaution measures, dangerous electrical wiring with exposed live wiring, serious damp and mould growth, boarded up windows and poor bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Council officers described the property as “one of the worst cases of poor housing conditions they had come across.”

Mr Kieran confirmed to the court that the property is now empty and he committed to place further occupants at the property until he has carried out a full refurbishment.

Cllr George Davies, the council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “The action taken in this case reinforces the message that landlords must maintain their properties to a reasonable standard, in order that the health and safety of tenants are protected.

“Councils have a duty to act if they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant’s health or safety and if landlords fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue. Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in court action and potentially hefty fines.

Wirral Globe:
Photographs show the conditions in the house on Argyle Street, Birkenhead.

“In this case, I am disappointed that the fine doesn’t reflect the appalling conditions that these vulnerable people have had to live with, however I hope it will still act as a deterrent to landlords who leave properties in this condition.

“The health and safety of the occupiers in properties within the private rented sector is of paramount importance. Whilst we always try to work with landlords and give them reasonable timescales to improve property conditions, if they do not co-operate then the Council will take enforcement action like that taken against John Kieran.”