Triple prosecution for Langworthy landlord
A landlord with a property in Salford is believed to be the first in the country to be prosecuted for failing to get it licensed under a special scheme.
Mohammed Ashraf of Hallbridge Gardens, Bolton was fined £2,500 for failing to sign up to the Selective Licensing Scheme which operates in the Seedley and Langworthy regeneration area, where the property he rents out in Pembroke Street is situated.
In May 2007 the area became the first in the country to see the scheme introduced in a bid by Salford City Council to ensure all properties are well-managed to help raise standards and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Licences are only granted if landlords provide certain information about their management arrangements and pass a 'fit and proper' person test.
In addition, Ashraf was fined £1,500 for failing to comply with two improvement notices.
Housing officers originally served the notices in September 2007 after finding a number of deficiencies including large damp patches, broken lighting in a number of rooms, windows in poor repair, a leaking soil pipe to the toilet and a broken boiler which had left the property so cold the tenants could see their breath.
As Ashraf failed to undertake any of the work recommended, the council arranged for £13,000 worth of works to be carried out in order to protect the tenants. These costs will also be sought against the defendant.
Said Cllr Peter Connor, Salford City Council's lead member for housing: "We endeavour to work with and assist landlords to run their businesses in an effective fashion and we are doing everything in our power to raise standards in the private rented sector both for the benefit of tenants and the wider community. This case shows that we're not afraid to take action against landlords who don't take their responsibilities seriously."
Ashraf appeared at Salford Magistrates' Court on 26 February. He was ordered to a pay a total of £6,895, including legal costs.
Private tenants in Salford who concerned about standards at the property they rent can call 0161 793 3150.
Licences under Selective Licensing are issued per landlord per property for a period of up to five years and are non-transferable.
- Date published
- Tuesday, 3 March 2009
- Reference number
- 09-2283
Press and media enquiries only:
- Name
- Liz Carridge
- Telephone
- 0161 793 2913
- liz.carridge@salford.gov.uk
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