A council has prosecuted a landlord for renting out an unsafe property.

Samuel Nyantakyi was guilty of letting a property in Southend in breach of a Prohibition Order and without the required Selective Licence.

Council officers identified that the property was being occupied despite a Prohibition Order being in place.

A subsequent investigation confirmed that the property was also being let without a Selective License.

Officers uncovered a number of significant Category 1 and Category 2 hazards, posing serious risks to the health and safety of the occupants. 

Despite being aware of the Order, Nyantakyi allowed tenants, including a family, to live in the property.

The court recognised the seriousness of the offences. Nyantakyi was ordered to pay:

• £14,000 for breaching the Prohibition Order;

• £1,760 for failing to obtain a Selective Licence;

• Full prosecution costs of £3,160.39;

• A victim surcharge of £6,304

This brings the total amount payable to £25,224.39.

A council spokesperson says: “This successful prosecution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting residents and holding criminal landlords to account.

“No one should have to live in unsafe conditions, and we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action where landlords ignore the law and put tenants at risk.

“This case sends a clear message: we will pursue landlords wo fail in their legal responsibilities, and we will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”