A landlord of a home with unsafe electrics has been issued with a fine of £7,500 by a west country council.

Following a complaint about the property, officers from Dorset council found the property to be in serious disrepair with an electrical system so dangerous it had to be disconnected. 

The landlord, who can’t be named for legal reasons, failed to comply even when they were advised of their legal duties.

Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset’s portfolio holder for housing and community safety, says: “We have many very responsible landlords in Dorset, who provide invaluable rented homes. We want to do what we can to encourage them through our landlord’s partnership, to continue to provide excellent accommodation.

“In cases where landlords do not follow the rules, ignore our advice, and rent substandard or outright dangerous accommodation, we will not hesitate to act. 

“By using new powers and issuing a large financial penalty of £7,500, which was paid up by the landlord, we took fair and necessary action, which reflects the seriousness of the case. I hope this fine will reassure tenants and our responsible landlords that we are committed to driving out rogue landlords and that it acts as a clear deterrent, that Dorset Council will not tolerate poorly managed rented homes.”