Two landlords who put the safety of their tenants in danger after failing to carry out urgent repairs have been ordered to pay £171,964 in fines and costs.

Baminy Suresh and Suresh Thanabalsingham, both from Worksop, were guilty of failing to comply with improvement notices that identified 14 hazards that could be harmful to the safety of their tenants. In addition, Thanabalsingham was also found guilty of failing to remove waste which could attract vermin.

The husband and wife, who manage a property portfolio worth over £1.2m with the potential to generate over £210,000 rent per year, were requested to submit evidence of their financial means ahead of sentencing.  

Neither landlord provided this evidence and Thanabalsingham was ordered to pay a £70,000 fine, a £28,000 victim surcharge and £1,982 in costs. Meanwhile Baminy Suresh was ordered to pay a £50,000 fine, a £20,000 victim surcharge and costs of £1,982.

Both landlords currently have the right to appeal these sentences.

A spokesperson for Bassetlaw council says: “This prosecution sends a clear message to landlords to keep their properties at the required standards or action can be and will be taken against them to safeguard people.

“The effects of living in poor housing conditions can significantly impact tenants mental and physical health as well as their overall quality of life and life chances.

“Landlords have a responsibility to their tenants to provide homes that are safe and warm to live in, a basic right.”

The council’s environmental health officers will make further visits to the properties to ensure that any outstanding requirements as part of the improvement notices are completed.