A landlord based in Rotherham has been fined more than £2,000 for failing to carry out several repairs at tenanted homes in England and Wales, reports The Star.
Tenants of the buildings in the English village of Brinsworth complained to Rotherham Council about the hazardous conditions in which they lived. The council investigated the claims and found that the landlord had failed to fix a defective boiler, which could have led to a fatal incident, as well as neglected to treat damp in the rooms, and failed to repair damaged roofing or a leaking toilet.
Landlord’s insurance is a requirement of buy-to-let houses, holiday cottages, and other commercial premises. Additionally, it is a misconception that a standard household buildings and content insurance policy will cover the obligations of a landlord renting to tenants. In reality, this will not cover you in the event of a tenant being injured. Landlord’s insurance will also cover you for a wide range of additional circumstances, including property owners’ liability, damage to property and subsistence.
Despite being served Improvement Notices, the landlord Kassim Kurbanali failed to comply with the council’s requests. Mr Kurbanali pleaded guilty to three offences when he appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £1,400 and told to pay court costs of £678.28.
Karen Hanson, the assistant director for community safety at Rotherham Council, said after the hearing: “Many private sector landlords take their responsibilities seriously and provide good quality accommodation to Rotherham residents.
“However, this prosecution sends out a very strong and clear message to private sector landlords — that Rotherham Council will not tolerate the provision of sub-standard housing.”
