Landlord fined £28,500 after leaving property in ‘shocking’ standard
Summary
A landlord was fined £28,500 after a property occupied by a vulnerable household was found to have serious disrepair, including damp and mould, no heating or hot water, and electrical hazards. The case involved enforcement action by Durham County Council, including an improvement notice and prosecution for failure to obtain selective licences for multiple properties.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter similar conditions during inspections, particularly in rented homes where vulnerable occupants are affected. The case highlights the practical role of local authority enforcement, selective licensing, and housing standards in driving remedial action.
Key points
- Durham County Council identified serious hazards including damp, mould, excess cold, carbon monoxide risk and electrical issues.
- The landlord was served with a Housing Act 2004 improvement notice but works were not completed.
- The property was also unlicensed under the local selective licensing scheme.
- Peterlee Magistrates’ Court imposed fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £28,500.
- The council said selective licensing can help improve standards and support enforcement against non-compliant landlords.
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