A Colne landlord has been fined after Pendle Council uncovered “appalling and unhygienic living conditions” at a house of multiple occupancy.
Quality Homes NW Limited director Mark Hogg was sentenced at Preston Magistrates' Court on November 13 relating to the property in Keighley Road.
The property was found to have not been managed in accordance with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations over 10 counts in total.
These regulations were breached as the duty manager did not provide information to the occupier, did not take effective safety measures, failed to maintain common parts, fixtures and fittings and didn’t maintain living accommodations.
The company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and £1,862 in costs, totalling £11,862.
Hogg was also fined £2,155 with a £862 surcharge, totalling £3,017 – which took into account his guilty plea.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Ensuring the safety of tenants is a fundamental responsibility of all landlords.
"The condition of this property was so poor, it is fortunate it has not resulted in a fatality.
“This fine is a critical reminder that neglecting safety standards will not be tolerated. We urge all landlords to prioritise compliance with regulations.”
The manager has now sold the property in Keighley Road, as the company has cut back on the number of properties it manages, dropping from 42 to 16.
Hogg intends to sell them all over the next 12 months to wind the company up.
Sarah Whitwell, head of housing and environmental health for Pendle Council, said: “We had previously warned Mr Hogg on a number of occasions about the state of the property, but unfortunately he did not take the Council’s warning seriously and failed to take any action.”
Conditions in the flat revealed a communal cooker was broken, meaning tenants had to use portable appliances in their bedrooms – dramatically increasing fire risk.
Additionally, there were combustibles in the corridor, fire doors in poor condition and fire alarm systems were not maintained, faulty and not rested.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, added: “When Environmental Health Officers from Pendle Council visited the property, they found appalling and unhygienic living conditions, which is completely unacceptable.
“There were damaged and smashed windows; damp and water ingress and a shared toilet had leaked into the kitchen with no attempt made to sanitise it.”
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