Latest News
天涯社区 prosecution of landlord who allowed poor living conditions for family
Published: 03/07/2018
A 天涯社区 landlord has been found guilty of seven offences under housing
legislation designed to protect tenants in the private rented sector, after a
successful prosecution by 天涯社区鈥檚 Environmental Health team.
Stephen John Gleave from Prestatyn, who has previous housing offence
convictions, was found guilty of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice
and six 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 two storey terrace in Shotton occupied by a mother and her two
children.
The property had been poorly converted and had not been maintained by Gleave
over a number of years. Subsequently, the family had to suffer with penetrating
dampness, a lack of hot water, a lack of adequate heating, poor kitchen and
bathing facilities, poor fire safety provisions and serious falls hazards.
Gleave had also continued to refuse to register all three of his rental
properties in 天涯社区 with Rent Smart Wales and failed to apply for and
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
that a prosecution is necessary. This 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10,600 as well as
拢1,688 costs and ordered to pay the total within 28 days or face further court
appearances.