Housing chiefs have issued a warning to all property owners with landlord insurance after a couple were each fined £1,000 after they failed to cooperate with an investigation into one of their properties.
Safoora Kausar and Mohammed Afzal Hussain were fined by Peterborough Magistrates’ Court after the court heard how Kausar is the leaseholder of the property, while her husband Hussain is the agent she appointed to deal with any tenancy-related issues at the property.
Peterborough City Council had previously placed a prohibition order on the property, which should have prevented them using part of the building for sleeping purposes without approval from the council. However, when Peterborough Council housing enforcement officers went for a routine visit to the property they found a room in the attic was being rented out to a tenant and the attic was covered by the prohibition order.
Notices were served on both Kausar and Hussain because of their respective roles and they were given two weeks to provide both documentation and information about the property. The court was told how both of them failed to respond within the 14 day time limit. Both were fined £1,000 for the offence and ordered to pay £500 costs to the council. The pair now have to fill in an information and occupation form which will be used to assist the council’s investigation into the breach of the prohibition order.
Peterborough Council’s housing officer, Peter Bezant, said “These fines should send a strong message of zero tolerance to any landlord thinking about breaking the regulations. We have a duty to identify and inspect privately rented properties within our area and ensure they meet the relevant safety standards and legal criteria according to the way the house is let. Before inspecting a property the council can request that certain information and supporting documents are provided by the owner-landlord or their appointed letting agent.”