Recently, a landlord in Luton, England was fined thousands of pounds for obstructing a property safety investigation. The landlord, who has not been named, was found guilty of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice issued by Luton Borough Council.
The Improvement Notice was issued after the Council received complaints from tenants about the condition of the property. The Council’s investigation found that the property was in a state of disrepair and posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the tenants. The landlord had failed to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to the property, such as fixing a broken window, repairing a leaking roof, and ensuring that the gas and electrical systems were safe.
The landlord was given an Improvement Notice which required them to make the necessary repairs and improvements within a specified time frame. However, the landlord failed to comply with the Notice and instead attempted to obstruct the Council’s investigation. This included providing false information and refusing to allow access to the property for inspection.
As a result of the landlord’s actions, they were fined £4,000 and ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs. In addition, they were also issued with an Enforcement Notice, which requires them to make all necessary repairs and improvements to the property within 28 days.
The case serves as a warning to other landlords that they must take their responsibilities seriously. Landlords have a duty of care to ensure that their properties are safe and fit for purpose. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, including hefty fines and legal action. It is therefore essential that landlords carry out regular inspections of their properties and take any necessary action to ensure that they are safe and compliant with the law.