Huge fine for landlord of home “caked in faeces and urine”
Summary
County Durham Council secured a fine of more than £42,000 against Carter Property Services after the company was found guilty of 13 breaches of its Selective Licence across eight rented properties. The case involved serious management failures, including missed inspections, overdue gas safety certification and reports of extremely poor living conditions at one property.
Why it matters
The case highlights the enforcement risk for landlords and managing agents where licensing conditions, inspection regimes and gas safety obligations are not met. Residential surveyors may encounter similar issues during inspections, valuations or compliance-related work and should be alert to indicators of poor property management and unsafe occupation.
Key points
- 13 Selective Licence breaches were proven across eight properties in County Durham.
- One property had not been inspected for four years; another had not been inspected for two years.
- Gas safety certificates were missing or significantly overdue for several properties.
- The council used enforcement powers under its Selective Licensing scheme.
- The total financial penalty was £42,500 including costs and surcharge.
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