Landlord fined for breaching property license

A landlord has been ordered to pay more than £800 for various breaches of his selective license.

Stephen Halliday, 50, of Bingley, in Yorkshire, was prosecuted by Durham County Council over three breaches of his licence relating to a property he owns in Ferryhill, County Durham.

Last week, magistrates at Newton Aycliffe were told that Halliday’s property at Faraday Street, DL17, falls within Dean Bank which is designated for selective licensing.

Conditions of the licence, which he obtained in 2015, require him to supply, on request, a copy of a gas safety certificate, results of tenancy reference checks and to notify it of changes in tenancy.

The court was told that the council requested the documentation twice towards the end of last year, but he failed to provide them.

Halliday opted not to attend court and was found guilty in his absence and ordered to pay £814, including a fine of £440, costs of £330 and a victim surcharge of £44.

Sarah Robson, the council’s head of economic development and housing, said: “Selective licensing is in place to ensure properties are managed appropriately and licensed in accordance with the law which benefits both tenants and the wider local community.

“While the vast majority of landlords comply with the conditions of the selective licensing scheme, this case should serve as a warning that we will take action where there are breaches.”

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