Council successfully prosecutes landlord for failing to comply with a Prohibition Order | |
29 April 2019Cheshire West and Chester Council reaffirmed its commitment to taking tough action against landlords who neglect their properties following the successful conviction of Sandeep Jarjapu and Nattha Gohill.Jarjapu, of Belgrave Street, Chester, and Gohill, of Seller Street, Chester, were prosecuted for failing to comply with a Prohibition Order which was served under the Housing Act 2004. The above were letting a flat above commercial premises on Brook Street in Chester which were found to have serious hazards when inspected by the Council`s Housing Standards Team in December 2017. The property had no form of heating, contained a number of serious fire hazards and had no windows in the property. Maria Byrne, Director of Place Operations, said: “As a Council we are very keen to ensure that tenants living in the private rented sector are housed in properties that are safe and free from hazards. We will not tolerate landlords who choose to house their tenants in property that is not fit for human habitation. Maria Byrne continued: “Due to the severity of the hazards and the risks to the health and safety of the occupant, a Prohibition Order was served which prevented the flat from being occupied by any persons. However, following an unannounced visit to the property in June 2018 it was found that the flat was occupied again, in contravention of the Prohibition Order.” During the hearing at Chester Magistrates Court on 23 April 2019 Sandeep Jarjapu entered a guilty plea and Nattha Gohill was found guilty in her absence. A total penalty of £5,286 consisting of fines and costs was imposed. Maria Byrne explained: “I would urge any tenant living in a property which has serious hazards to report these to the Council`s Housing Standards Team on 0300 123 7038; the team will liaise with the landlord and take whatever action is necessary to remedy the situation.” | |
