Harrow Council brings irresponsible landlord to book
Published 5th October 11
A landlord who failed to keep his property in a safe condition and exposed his tenants to 'excess cold' was fined in court following a prosecution by Harrow Council.
The council's Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Environmental Health Teamstook action against the landlord after he repeatedly failed to make the necessary improvements.
At Brent Magistrates Court, Mr. Mathew Richard Tapper (40) of Headstone Drive Harrow, was directed to pay a total fine and costs of £3,505 for non-compliance with two Section 11 Housing Act notices.
The court heard that the landlord had first been visited by the private sector housing team in September 2010 following a complaint of disrepair. They noted an excess cold hazard due to defects at the property. This, coupled with other defects, posed a potential threat to the tenant's health such as from respiratory diseases.
The landlord was given a number of opportunities to fix the defects highlighted and avoid further action and prosecution, but he failed to do so.
Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety, Cllr Phillip O'Dell said:
"The safety of our residents will always be our number one priority. In this case the landlord involved made no attempt to fix up the property to an acceptable standard or deal with the hazards. Council officers had no choice but to bring him before the courts. We are committed to standing up for and protecting Harrow residents and will continue to do this where necessary."
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