Illegal eviction landlord ordered to pay £3,000

A landlord in Cornwall, who has not been named, has been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs after illegally evicting a tenant.

An investigation undertaken by Cornwall Council’s private sector housing team revealed that on the 6 July 2015, the tenant had been illegally evicted from a self-contained flat in Truro. 

It was found that the former tenant was deprived of her accommodation and that her belongings had been removed and left outside the address. Also the lock to the accommodation had been changed.

The investigation also found that the self- contained flat was formerly a garage which had recently been converted into a separate dwelling without planning or building control consent being sought. Enforcement officers from the council’s planning and building control teams are following up the matters relating to the unauthorised works.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing and environment Joyce Duffin said: “Cornwall Council is committed to supporting all private sector landlords to help them comply fully with their legal responsibilities, but when landlords unscrupulously evict tenants without following legal process we will investigate and where appropriate take formal action.”

Investigating officer, Stuart Kenney from Cornwall Council’s private sector housing team, said: “Through the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme, Cornwall Council is communicating with private sector landlords in a way that provides the necessary support to navigate the complex nature of housing law. The council also advocates membership of local or national landlord associations who will often provide advice and guidance on lawful eviction procedures to their members”.

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