Two landlords in the same city have been prosecuted for failing to provide paperwork to authorities.

The cases were brought by Derby council.

Both followed investigations after residents complained about the way properties were being managed.

Sonita Talwar, 79, was prosecuted for failing to provide complete records of tenancy agreements and rental income for a property. 

Magistrates found Talwar guilty in her absence. She was fined £440 and ordered to pay £689.88 in costs to the Council, alongside a £176 victim surcharge.

In a separate case, Naeem Akhtar, 54, was prosecuted over a property for failing to provide rent records. 

He was found guilty in his absence having failed to enter a plea and fined £660, costs of £1160.76 and a victim surcharge of £264.

Under the Housing Act 2004, the council has the authority to require documents to verify that properties are being managed according to safety and licensing standards. 

Refusal to comply is a criminal offence.

A council spokesperson says: “Most landlords in Derby do a great job and provide good homes. 

“But when people in the community raise concerns, we have to check that properties are being managed properly.

“These successful prosecutions show that we remain committed to taking the necessary steps to address those who fall short of the required standards.”