Sheffield Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord and letting agency for over-letting an unsafe property.
At least ten people were sharing the house on Granville Road.
Aside from the overcrowding, council safety inspectors found a blocked fire escape and the property’s fire doors were either badly fitted or totally missing.
Ghulam Ljaz was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,073 costs. UK Legal Estates Ltd was fined £2,000 by Sheffield Magistrates.
Speaking after the prosecution, Councillor Harry Harpham, cabinet member for housing, told local newspaper, The Star: “We want to send a clear message that if you are a private landlord or agent in our city, you must take your responsibilities seriously.”
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Comments
If they were collecting rent from at least 10 tenants, the level of the fine would not have bothered them at all! Whilst it's good that Local Authorities are taking action, they need to be able to hit these rogue landlords/agents where it really hurts; if the fine had been 10 times the amount it may act as a deterrent.