Kamma Rogue Landlord Roundup: June 2022

In the last couple of months there’s been a steady increase in Rent Repayment Orders, or RROs across the UK. Major news publications including the Sun are starting to pick up on stories about tenants that are applying for RROs and spreading awareness about tenants rights to apply for RROs – at the same time, councils are increasing their enforcement to clamp down on rogue landlords and agents. This is yet another reason why letting agents and landlords need to take action now to protect themselves against fines and RROs.

At Kamma, we understand that property licensing is complex, inconsistent, and ever changing. Our technology and software cuts through that complexity to keep you on top of all the changes with clear and accurate advice. We analyse and sort data to help agents, landlords and surveyors understand the impact of Property Licensing and Planning Permission on their properties and assets. We leverage technology and data to help agents and landlords stay on top of new property licensing schemes and avoid licensing fines.

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June Top Rogue Landlords 

Two agents fined over £3,000 and ordered to pay more than £6,000 in costs to South Tyneside council 

Two agents have been fined £3,000 and ordered to pay more than £6,000 in costs for failing to provide documents to a local council. The director of local letting and property management company South Tyneside Rooms, along with the property manager were both convicted of failing to comply with a Request for Information Notice under the Housing Act 2004.

The notice required them to provide documents to South Tyneside council which was investigating an HMO operating illegally in South Shields. Councillor Jim Foreman, lead member for housing and community safety, says: “These hefty fines should send a very stark message about the potential consequences. We won’t hesitate to take action when we think people are not operating within the law that is designed to protect tenants.”

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Rogue landlord who rented out flats without hot water or lighting hit with £20,000 fine

Rogue landlord in Salford who rented out flats without hot water or lighting hit with £20,000 fine due to his properties’ poor state. The landlord who repeatedly let out an unsafe house has not only been fined, but was also hit with an emergency banning order that is banning him from renting out his property. 

However, it was later found that he had ignored the banning order and housing officers from Salford City Council found fire doors were not up to standard and the fire alarm and detection systems and escape routes were still unsafe three years after the landlord was ordered to complete the work. 

At one point the whole building was left without power for cooking, hot water and lighting. As a result the landlord has now been convicted of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice and breaching an Emergency Prohibition order.

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Landlord fined over £5,000 for letting unlicensed HMO in Somerset 

A rogue landlord has been fined £5,500 following a successful prosecution by Mendip council in Somerset. The council’s private sector housing team brought a civil case against the landlord after they were found to have operated an HMO without a licence. 

The property was found during a formal investigation to be lacking adequate fire detection, putting the residents at risk.Councillor Richard Pinnock says: “While we always prefer to work with landlords and support them to achieve the required standards and meet their legal obligations, we will not shy away from taking strong enforcement action and applying sanctions where they are needed.

“We are satisfied with this outcome and hope this sends a strong message to deter other landlords from breaching their duties.

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