Council takes court action against non-compliant landlord

Hastings Borough Council is continuing to ensure that privately rented accommodation in the borough is safe and habitable through licensing and enforcement.

The council has recently taken action against a landlord who failed to obtain a gas safety certificate, which is required by law for rented properties. Due to the health and safety concerns gas can pose to the occupiers of a property, it is essential gas is checked regularly by a qualified engineer.

Failure to meet these safety requirements and ensure rented accommodation is at a good standard will result in the council's housing team taking appropriate action. In this case the landlord failed to comply and at court pleaded guilty resulting in a fine totalling £726.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead for housing at Hastings Borough Council, said,

"Ensuring rented accommodation across the borough is fit for purpose and safe is a priority for our council. The vast majority of landlords provide exceptional accommodation and go above and beyond to make the necessary improvements to their properties.

"Sadly, in this case this landlord did not comply with the law and failed to work with the council. To ensure the tenant's safety the council took the necessary action. This saw the landlord taken to court where they were issued with a fine following a guilty plea."

Further information for both landlords and tenants can be found on the council's website at https://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/.