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天涯社区 prosecution of landlord
Published: 14/12/2017
A 天涯社区 landlord has been found guilty of nine offences under housing
legislation designed to protect tenants in the private rented sector recently,
after a successful prosecution by 天涯社区鈥檚 Environmental Health team.
Steven John Gleave from Prestatyn, who is an owner of four rental properties in
天涯社区, was found guilty of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice
and eight other housing offences, including: failing to register his rental
properties with Rent Smart Wales and failing to obtain a licence to operate as
a private landlord in Wales 鈥� both legal requirements since November 2014.
The property subject to the Improvement Notice, issued under the Housing Act
2004, was a ground floor flat in a two storey terrace in Shotton occupied by an
elderly tenant.
The property had not been maintained by Gleave over a number of years.
Subsequently, the occupier had to suffer with penetrating dampness, black mould
growth, a lack of adequate heating, poor kitchen and bathing facilities, poor
fire safety provisions and slates falling off the roof.
Gleave also refused to pay off the electricity bill for another flat in the
same building and refused to get the electricity meter for both flats
separated. This meant the elderly occupier had no choice but to pay off the
arrears (over 拢1, 400) through the shared meter. Gleave had also refused to
register all four of his rental properties in 天涯社区 with Rent Smart Wales
and failed to carry out mandatory training in order to become licensed to
operate as a landlord in Wales.
天涯社区鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection,
Councillor Christopher Bithell, said:
鈥淭his successful prosecution reflects 天涯社区鈥檚 commitment to
ensuring homes in the private rented sector meet all the legal standards
required for private housing in Wales. We believe everyone has the right to
live in a home which is in good repair, has ready access to all necessary
amenities and is free from physical hazards. Whilst we aim to reduce the health
effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and
financial assistance, occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious a
prosecution is necessary. This successful prosecution sends out a clear message
to other private landlords, that non-compliance with current housing standards
and non 鈥揷ompliance with the Rent Smart Wales laws - is completely
unacceptable.鈥�
Gleave, who did not attend the court hearing, was fined 拢11,081 and ordered to
pay the total within 28 days or face further court appearances.