A council is warning landlords that they could face heavy fines if rubbish continues to pile up in alleyways behind rented homes.

Sefton council on Merseyside has written to licenced landlords and managing agents with properties in one area about items being dumped illegally in rear entry alleyways. The letters remind landlords of their legal duties under housing licence rules, which include check properties regularly and making sure tenants know how to store and dispose of waste properly.

They also explain that landlords have a duty of care to store waste safely and securely and prevent the unauthorised disposal of waste. Like any householder, they must use a registered carrier authorised to remove waste, transport and dispose of it safely and keep records for up to two years.

Failure to comply with the duty of care requirements is a criminal offence and can lead to unlimited fines if convicted. Failure to provide valid documentation will result in a fixed penalty of £300 or if convicted punishable by a fine of up to £5,000.

Fly tipping, the letters warn, can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £1,000 but can lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or 12-months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court.

Licenced landlords are also being reminded that when tenancies change, they are responsible for moving the previous tenants’ waste and belongings lawfully. They must also ensure the new tenants are fully informed of their responsibilities regarding the control and disposal of waste and that they have correct waste storage facilities.

A spokesperson for the council says: “We will take strong action against anyone who dumps rubbish or fails to manage waste responsibly including landlords whose tenants are failing to meet their responsibilities. Compliance visits will be carried out to ensure landlords are meeting their obligations.”

Sefton council’s cabinet recently approved higher Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fees for fly-tipping and other environmental offences that blight our communities and cost taxpayers thousands of pounds each year. And the council is starting to use hidden cameras to monitor dumping hot spots.