Tenement landlord hit by repair enforcement order
‘This should serve as a harsh warning to landlords, not just in Campbeltown...’
A LONDON landlord has been given two months to make a Wee Toon flat fit for human habitation.
Water pouring through the roof of tenant John Gamble’s former flat at 21C Main Street caused the living room ceiling to collapse leaving a fivefoot hole.
Mr Gamble told the Private Rented Housing Panel that when it rained he collected water in buckets and was concerned about the electrics due to water pouring down the light fittings.
Mr Gamble stated that electrical safety checks, roof repairs, ceiling repairs and a new carpet were required.
Argyll and Bute council’s housing team helped Mr Gamble secure a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order (RSEO) from the Housing and Property Chamber – the body which has now replaced the Private Rented Housing Panel.
The order was made last month against Keith Arthur Raeburn of 360 Windmill Road, Ealing, who became the heritable owner of the property on May 5 last year.
A council spokesman said: ‘Landlords are required by law to keep their properties at the repairing standard set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
‘This means they must keep properties wind and watertight; reasonably fit for human habitation; keep the structure and exterior of the building repaired, including gutters and pipes in working order; and keep the installations for the supply of gas, electricity and water in working order.’
Mr Gamble’s flat did not meet this standard and his landlord is required by the order to carry out repairs to the roof, gutter, plasterwork, replace the carpet and provide an electrical installation condition report by a qualified electrician.
Mr Raeburn has two months to carry out the
work or face prosecution.
Councillor Robin Currie, the council’s housing policy lead, said: ‘It’s ridiculous that landlords, who are being paid good money in rent, don’t keep their properties in a reasonable condition.
‘This should serve as a harsh warning to landlords, not just in Campbeltown but across the area.
‘If anyone has concerns about their property, they should contact our housing team.’
Mr Gamble said: ‘It’s very unfortunate that the landlord was unwilling to live up to his obligations and make repairs to the property.
‘I would have been more than happy to remain there should the repairs have been carried out.
‘If it wasn’t for the housing team’s Tina McCrank, I wouldn’t have known about the help available or secured alternative accommodation.’
The decision is available at: www.housingandpropertychamber.scot/sites/default/files/repair_ decisions/0289-%20RSEO%20and%20Statement%20of%20Decision_Redacted.pdf.
The council’s housing services team can be contacted on 01546 604425.