A REDDITCH man has been fined by magistrates after failing to comply with a notice to correct dangerous defects in a rental property he owned.
Richard William Hadley, 44, who gave his address as formerly of Crumpfields Lane, Redditch, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Improvement Notice at Redditch Magistrates Court on September 19 following a prosecution brought by Redditch Borough Council.
The court heard that officers from the borough council had found dangers at a property on Avon Bank Close that was owned and let by Mr Hadley, which led to an Improvement Notice being served in July 2017. The notice required Mr Hadley to correct the problems by October that year.
The court was shown photographs that included evidence of inadequate fire protection, an outdated mains electric fuse board, decayed timber windows, loose and broken glass, and uneven paving.
Hadley admitted failing to comply with the terms of the notice, and magistrates fined him £2,130, awarded costs of £1,620 to Redditch Borough Council, and included a victim surcharge of £170. The total amount was £3,920.
The work was subsequently done.
Councillor Craig Warhurst, whose portfolio covers housing, said: “Redditch Borough Council will always support the many landlords who are providing decent, safe accommodation that complies with the regulations.
“The housing team will also work with landlords where improvements are required, to ensure tenants enjoy their right to live in safe accommodation. However we will not hesitate to prosecute if serious issues are not improved and where officers’ advice is ignored, within the timescales given. Everyone has the right to a decent, safe home.”
The council says if tenants inform their landlord in writing of problems at their property but they take no action, they can make a housing complaint to the borough council at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/housing or by calling 01527 534123.
Housing officers may be able to provide advice, guidance, help or even enforcement in some cases.
The council has powers to help ensure that homes are maintained to a decent standard and safe to live in, under legislation including the Housing Act 2004.
