A private landlord has had their rental property shut down after allowing a young family to pay £400 a month to occupy a cramped garage with inadequate facilities.

A routine visit by a health visitor to check on the six month old baby living at the address resulted in a referral to Newcastle council.

It was reported that the family, comprising of mother, father, and baby, were living in a garage structure built off the main address. It was reported that there were concerns related to the cramped living conditions along with inadequate heating and issues with damp and mould.

Due to the severity of the conditions described, a formal inspection was organised by the council with the landlord being informed of the intention to inspect the residence. When the inspection was undertaken, it was found to be extremely cramped, with no fixed heating or adequate insulation. 

There was water leaking in and damp and mould throughout as well as inadequate fire protection. There were no kitchen facilities, a poorly fitted shower and the family appeared to be cooking from a slow cooker on the floor. 

The baby had been either sleeping in the bed with its parents or being placed in a makeshift hammock suspended from the ceiling due to the limited space available. 

The room itself was a poorly converted garage on the side of the main house.

The condition of the property was so severe that the decision was made to serve an Emergency Prohibition Order under The Housing Act 2004, closing the property with immediate effect.   

The landlord, who advertised the home for rent on social media, has been charged for the enforcement Notice and was issued with a Civil Penalty of £5,275.  

The address has also been flagged with the council and will be monitored regularly to ensure that the landlord does not rent out or reoccupy the property.

A council spokesperson says: “I am absolutely appalled by the disgusting conditions that this young family were living in. They were vulnerable and this landlord took advantage of that. 

“This case really highlights the importance of having housing legislation and regulation that must be adhered to by private landlords in our city.   

“As a council, we will do all that we can to act against those who think it is acceptable to put people up in such appalling conditions. It is not acceptable.”