Southend-on-Sea council has prosecuted two landlords for failing to address serious hazards in their properties.

Habibur Rahman, of Westcliff-on-Sea, was found guilty of allowing multiple hazards in his property, including damp and mould, fall risks and fire hazards.

And Madelaine Murphy, of Leigh-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to similar offences at her property, where inspectors found damp and mould, excess cold and fire hazards.

Both landlords ignored legal enforcement notices requiring urgent repairs, which is a criminal offence. They were summonsed to Southend Magistrates’ Court and received convictions and fines.

Tenants had contacted the council after repeated failures by their landlords to carry out essential repairs. Inspections confirmed serious hazards, prompting enforcement action.

A spokesperson for the council comments: “More than a quarter of our residents live in privately rented housing, and their safety is our top priority. These prosecutions show the Council will take tough action against landlords who break the law.

“Through the dedication and professionalism of our Private Sector Housing team, the standard of privately rented housing across the city continues to improve.

“These cases follow our landmark achievement last year, when we secured Essex’s first-ever banning order against a rogue landlord, highlighting our ongoing commitment to protecting residents from unscrupulous landlords.”