A Landlord has been fined more than £16,000 for breaking fire safety and overcrowding rules at a property in Redhill.
The Horley company was fined over breaches at the two-storey property. The hefty punishment reflected the fact that the firm apparently tried to cover up its offences.
The company was accused of not carrying out regular fire safety inspections and failing to disclose that an extra person was living at the house. The fines were issued by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council as an alternative to prosecution through the courts, using powers under Section 249A of The Housing Act 2004.
Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Reigate & Banstead Borough Council works closely with landlords to provide advice and guidance to ensure the properties they manage are properly maintained and safe for residents. However, when serious breaches occur and offences are committed, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.
“We would fully expect a portfolio management company to be organised and compliant. They are wholly responsible for inspecting the property and ensuring that it is safe. By not carrying out regular inspections, especially in this instance for fire safety, they were not able to demonstrate due diligence which is reflected in the level of the fine.
“The company representative also tried to hide the fact that there were more people occupying the property than allowed by the licence. Whilst one additional person may seem insignificant, the offence was a breach of the Licence and providing false information is fraud, both of which the Council takes seriously.
“Please be assured that, while our ways of working may be slightly different to usual due to the current Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the Government, we are still working. Some allowances may be made but it is still every landlord’s responsibility to ensure that their property is safe and compliant.”
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